Thai Government Plans Promotional Virtual World

Thailand has announced a new 3D browser-based virtual world, Thailand Planet, designed to show off Thailand’s technological, business, and tourism strengths. The new virtual world is part of Thailand’s current “creative economy” policy. The government hopes that Thailand Planet will improve Thailand’s global image and create new business opportunities. Thailand Planet will showcase real-world attractions, shopping venues, restaurants, government offices, and businesses from every province.

Planet Thailand’s 3D visuals will be created by Thai artists and programmers as a showcase for local and overseas investors. The project will require a 10 to 15 million baht (roughly $330,000 to $500,000) investment to cover the costs of setting up an engine platform, developing content, and operating the virtual world. “Various business and academics” are supporting Thailand Planet with CAT Telecom discussing server support with IBM.

Abac University plans to allow developer Digicraft to use its U-Town 3D virtual engine in the project. Sripatum University and Rangsit University will contribute animation students as workers. Vithita Animation will contribute characters and digital content. Game developer Novaleaf will collaborate with Ramayana Animation to create a game called Khone that can be used in Thailand Planet to show off the skills of Thailand’s digital content creators.

Digicraft will create avatars of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot to act as “digital guides” to new visitors to Thailand Planet. The world will feature ten 3D virtual convention halls, either representing one of the ten ASEAN countries. Thailand’s convention hall will contain a showcase for Ramayana Animation, a room where users can play Khone, a room where users can listen to Thai music, and a virtual art gallery.

[via Bangkok Post]

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