Thailand leads ASEAN in 5G rollout due to pandemic

Top operator AIS ready to invest up to $1.2bn for network expansion this year

AIS has launched 5G-operated robots for telemedicine services at hospitals, helping reduce direct contact between doctors and COVID-19 patients. (Photo courtesy of the company)

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

May 20, 2020 11:00 JST

BANGKOK -- The novel coronavirus pandemic has prompted Thailand's major telecom operators to rev up deployment of fifth-generation technologies, making it the first country in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to have commercial 5G services.

Thailand's top two mobile operators Advanced Info Service and True Corp. are racing to deploy 5G networks at hospitals to lend support to doctors and medical personnel fighting the coronavirus.