The statistical data below does not include computer parts that are related to import and export categories even though Thailand is a major production base for the export of computer hard disks, monitors, keyboards, parts, and accessories. The government and private sectors have used IT as an important tool to help reorganize their operations and generate higher productivity and cost effectiveness. In addition, the Internet revolution and e-commerce trends have significantly contributed to the market growth, fueling computer usage in all industry and business sectors. U.S. products dominate over 50 percent of the import market of multisystems, PCs, workstations, servers, data communication equipment and networking products, and laser printers. U.S. developed software is the industry leader and controls between 70-80 percent of total import value.
Major consumers are government organizations and businesses, who regularly budget for such expenses.
The Thai computer software market is growing in line with the overall IT market, driven by the economic recovery and the increasing usage of the Internet and e-commerce. U.S. companies dominate the application software market which represents the year 2000 s highest growth rate. The U.S. also maintains the largest share of the system software market. Well-known U.S. software companies have set up offices in Thailand and gained advantages in marketing and developing their services market. Local software development is still a young industry and has been supported by the government through the Software Park project during this initial period.