Rail and Post to use IoT, blockchain

Rail and Post to use IoT, blockchain

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Thailand Post will apply the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology to improve their logistics services.

"The SRT will invest 1 billion baht over the next three years to upgrade its information and communications technology," said Sirima Hiruncharoenvate, the SRT's chief information officer, after a seminar on Asian IoT business platforms.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's approval of the 800-900 megahertz spectrum for a wireless railway communications system enables the SRT to continue working on its IoT technology plan, she said, adding the SRT needs a dedicated communications system.

With IoT on trains, railway stations will know the exact time trains are arriving and people in stations can be informed of train delays.

"It will also improve the logistics service of goods delivery," Ms Sirima said.

In the event of accidents, the IoT device connects with the Railway Signalling system, allowing authorities to stop the train in time.

Ms Sirima said the SRT will also implement a new online ticketing system that enables users to purchase train tickets online.

"We may use a QR code or e-ticketing system, as seen in air ticketing systems," she said.

Thailand Post director Thitipong Nandhabiwat said the company plans to adopt blockchain technology to use for high-value parcels such as luxury items by end of this year or early next year.

"Blockchain is secure and trusted as only authorised persons are allowed to open parcels," Mr Thitipong said.

Digital Economy and Society vice-minister Pansak Siriruchatapong said IoT is a strategic technology that can move Thailand towards a digital economy and digitally transform businesses.

"The IoT institute, which will be set up soon, will support developers making their own products. It will provide training and a cloud data centre to support the whole process of IoT development by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency," Mr Pansak said.

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