Feb 02, 2005This article was originally published by RFID Update.
February 2, 2005—The Thai RFID Cluster is urging the federal government to officially allocate frequency band to RFID, as regional neighbors Japan, Singapore, and Korea have already done. The country's RFID development has started falling behind because of the lacking standard, according to Thai RFID Cluster member Dr. Itti Rittaporn: "Local companies cannot fully develop their RFID products because the government has not yet allocated a frequency band for RFID. This will lead to a loss of national competitiveness in manufacturing RFID products for export." Furthermore, modern RFID capabilities will be integral to the government's stated goal of transforming Thailand into an Asian logistical hub.
A few of the developed Asian countries are aiming to establish themselves as either a logistics or technology leader in the region, and they consistently cite RFID as a key enabler thereof. Both Singapore and South Korea have made official pronouncements about their RFID plans. Then, of course, there is the 800-pound gorilla whose moves affect the whole of Asia. No, not Wal-Mart; the other 800-pound gorilla, China. Just last week, we reported on China's own recent issues with frequency band allocation. Like Thailand, China has yet to designate a frequency range for RFID, although it will probably come this year.
Bangkok Post Database has more on Thailand's travails
