The Association of Thai Software Industry (ATSI) has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging local companies and computer users to use locally-developed software.

Somkiat Ungaree, the ATSI president, said the association hoped to increase the market share of Thai software to 35% by 2010, from the current 25%.

The Thai software market is estimated to be worth 60 billion baht per year, of which locally developed software accounts for around 15 billion.

Among the 11 projects the association is promoting is a "Buy Thai First" campaign aimed at encouraging end-users to consider locally-developed solutions.

The ATSI will offer a "letter of comfort" aimed at reassuring buyers about the quality of local software, and is willing to serve as an intermediary in case of problems.

"We estimate that there are more than 3,000 Thai software programs from the 250 companies that are ATSI members," Mr Somkiat said.

The ATSI also has plans to join with the Education Ministry to establish a strategic plan to develop engineers and programmers for the industry, as well as an overseas campaign to promote local programs in the region.

ATSI will develop a Thailand software directory next year to help identify local software houses for users.

Mr Somkiat said ATSI also would promote the Market for Alternative Investment as a funding source for local developers in need of capital.

Two companies - MFEC and Solution Corner - are currently listed on the MAI. Mr Somkiat said another five software firms were planning to list on the exchange this year.

Mr Somkiat said the domestic software market was expected to grow by 10% this year.