The Thai government has pushed through measures to implement an e-payments infrastructure for the country, which is part of its digital economic growth strategy. The government is aiming to set up the e-payments system within one year.

Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said this is expected to create savings of 75 billion baht ($2.1 billion) a year across the banking and business sectors.

"If we can completely develop this system, the government will be able to fully collect taxes and give people better services," he is quoted as saying.

Other measures approved as part of the digital economy plan include bringing broadband to 70,000 villages in Thailand within two years.