Esports Business Development to Drive Smart Cities and the Digital Economy: An Analysis of Thailand’s New S-Curve Digital Industry

Abstract

This academic article aims to: 1) examine the current status and development trends of the esports industry under Thailand's digital sector in the New S-Curve target industries; 2) analyze its roles and mechanisms in driving urban and digital economic development in Thailand; and 3) propose policy and strategic recommendations to promote the esports industry for future sustainable national development. This study employs a documentary analysis approach, synthesizing digital industry status reports, international statistical data, and relevant literature.
The findings indicate that: 1) the future trajectory of the esports industry is expected to grow continuously, driven by rapid gaming market expansion and government
support elevating it to an official sport; 2) esports serves as a strategic mechanism to stimulate the macroeconomy, attract new-generation tourists, and advance Smart
City development through infrastructure investment, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and urban identity building toward an international digital destination; and 3) esports development should be integrated with Smart City strategies and the Creative Economy through three key mechanisms: 1) upgrading digital infrastructure and urban
ecosystems, 2) attracting investment via PPP models to integrate public and private resources, and 3) elevating city branding as a global digital destination. Ultimately, the study highlights that public and private sectors must integrate policy cooperation, modernize legal frameworks to encourage investment, and develop human resources to foster stable and sustainable industry growth.