Building a Neutral Digital Ecosystem: Why Trust and Collaboration Matter for Local and Multinational Companies" / BKNIX x TCCtech

At a time when the internet has become essential infrastructure used in everyday life—for education, work, business, and connecting with the wider world—many people may not realize that behind the systems connecting billions of people lies the collaboration of countless individuals and a simple belief: "Access to communication should be a right for everyone."

Recently, OPEN-TEC, a technology knowledge-sharing platform, powered by TCC Technology Group, hosted an open talk stage to create space for discussions on technology and digital infrastructure. The stage featured Dr. Kanchana Kanchanasut, a researcher and pioneer of internet connectivity in Thailand, internationally recognized through induction into the Internet Hall of Fame and recipient of the Jon Postel Service Award from the Internet Society. She is also widely known as the "Mother of the Thai Internet." Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kanchana shared the perspective that the internet's success was not created by technology alone—it emerged through collaboration, trust, and designing systems that provide equal access for everyone.

The Beginning of Thailand's Internet: When Connectivity Meant Opportunity

More than 40 years ago, when the internet was still new globally and barely discussed in Thailand, Dr. Kanchana became involved in developing global networks to build infrastructure for Thailand's research and academic communities. At the time, the goal was not to transform the nation. It was simply to meet a practical need: enabling researchers to connect with peers worldwide without being limited by geography. Over time, however, what started as an academic necessity became part of a nationwide transformation. Dr. Kanchana reflected that being recognized as a pioneer—or as the "Mother of the Thai Internet"—is not merely a personal honor, but confirmation that society still values the people and collaboration behind technological progress.

Internet Hall of Fame: Recognition Reflecting the Region's Role

Another milestone in her journey was being inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. For Dr. Kanchana, the recognition brought more than pride. It symbolized acknowledgment of the role of Thailand and Southeast Asia in the history of the global Internet. Her opportunity in meeting such well-known people, previously acknowledged only through their work reinforced an important reminder that the internet is the result of collective global effort. It has no single owner, and no single country built it alone.

"Internet for Everyone": An Idea Rooted in Personal Experience

One of the principles that has guided Dr. Kanchana's work is the belief that "the internet should belong to everyone."

Growing up in Tak Province, she experienced the limitations of being far from central opportunities, whether in education or access to resources. Those experiences shaped her believe that access to communication and knowledge should not depend on geography or social status. From this perspective, the internet is not merely technology—it is a tool that allows people to live and develop their potential within their own communities without abandoning their way of life. That is why we need "Internet for Everyone", which means designing infrastructure that is inclusive, neutral, and trusted.

Lessons from the Pioneer Era: When Collaboration Matters More Than Competition

Although the internet is a technological achievement, Dr. Kanchana emphasized that the hardest challenges in the early days were not technical. Every stage involved working with something most people did not understand, while the technology itself evolved rapidly. A key lesson from that era was building a network of people alongside the technical network. Even when organizations competed commercially, the teams still needed to cooperate, exchange knowledge, and build trust so the overall system could continue advancing. This perspective remains highly relevant today, as technology moves faster and competition alone cannot sustain progress without a collaborative ecosystem.

BKNIX: Infrastructure Built on Neutrality

In the late 1980s, Dr. Kanchana once believed internet development would eventually be handed over to other institutions so she could return fully to research and teaching. But over time, feedback from Thai internet service providers showed that the system still needed a neutral space where all parties could collaborate based on trust. This became the starting point of Bangkok Neutral Internet Exchange, or BKNIX. BKNIX serves as an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) that enables networks to connect and exchange data more efficiently, helping keep internet traffic within Thailand, reduce costs, and improve global connectivity performance. Yet more important than the infrastructure itself is its role in creating a community of learning, knowledge-sharing, and cooperation across the internet ecosystem.

Neutrality: The Foundation of a Sustainable Internet

Dr. Kanchana also emphasized the importance of NEUTRALITY. The internet succeeded because everyone could access and participate equally. Although many commercial players operate at the infrastructure level, the system functions best when all parties can connect openly and no single player controls everything. A neutral exchange point therefore not only promotes the competition but also strengthens innovation and resilience across the internet ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges Growing Together

Toward the end of the discussion, Dr. Kanchana shared that while the internet's open architecture has created tremendous opportunities and innovation, it has also introduced new challenges for society. The future will require people to develop greater awareness, stronger critical thinking, and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex world. She also congratulated TCC Technology on its 25th anniversary, noting that throughout their collaboration, TCC Technology has been a sincere partner with a deep understanding of national infrastructure needs and a long-term vision. These qualities along with reliable data center at Bangna, she said, will play an important role in enabling BKNIX to continue serving as one of the key foundations of Thailand's internet.

Lastly, the story of Thailand's internet may not simply be the history of technology—it is the story of people, beliefs, and collaboration that made connection possible. Because ultimately, the internet was not built by technology alone—it was built on trust and collaboration.

Source:

opentalk ep. 57: https://youtu.be/vX3EoG1UOSU

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