The Information and Communications Technology Ministry is set to expand its role and restructure its operation to serve the government's policy of promoting a digital-based economy.

To that end, ICT Minister Pornchai Rujiprapa said yesterday that the ministry was considering approaching the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre to have it placed under its control. The centre is currently under the Science and Technology Ministry.

However, Pornchai declined to comment on reports that the ICT Ministry would change its name to the Digital Ministry.This week MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, the deputy prime minister for the economy, said the government would create long-term plans, including a new focus on the digital economy.

Pornchai met with Thares Punsri, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, yesterday to discuss a collaboration between the ministry and the NBTC that aimed to steer the ICT industry. He said it also aimed to solve the ministry's and NBTC's problems, including their redundant roles, and possibly amend laws.

Both bodies would soon set up a joint committee to work out possible areas of collaboration.

Pornchai said the ministry would set up a joint committee with the NBTC to amend the Frequency Allocation Act and have the roles of the two bodies defined more clearly.

His other priorities included amending computer and e-commerce-related laws and improving the financial performance of state telecom enterprises.