It is undeniable that digital technology has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. It has not only transformed the way we work and live, making tasks more convenient and efficient, but also opened doors to new opportunities, such as connecting with people around the world and accessing unlimited information and services. However, along with these advancements come challenges and risks, such as cyberattacks, online fraud, and violations of personal privacy, which can unknowingly affect both our physical and mental well-being.

ETDA (Electronic Transactions Development Agency) recognizes both the opportunities and challenges of digital technology usage. With a strong commitment to building a digital society that is both safe and high-quality, it operates under the concept of "Better Life with Digital". This mission is carried out through activities and campaigns aimed at enhancing knowledge and essential skills to develop high-quality digital citizens on a continuous basis. Among the most popular events this year are the e-Transaction Law Moot Court Competition 2024 and EDC Pitching Season 2: Digital Wellness Lifestyle, two highly successful campaigns that have recently concluded with great enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants and audiences alike.

Building on this success, ETDA recently hosted a platform to inspire digital empowerment by inviting representatives from the winning and runner-up teams of both competitions to share their experiences. They delved into their thought processes for creating innovative ideas that addressed the competition challenges and shared tips for navigating the digital world with awareness and happiness during ETDA Live: The Right Balance EP.5 - Next Gen Digital Skills: Powering Up! New Ideas for Digital Empowerment. The event not only showcased diverse perspectives but also highlighted unique and thought-provoking approaches...

• e-Transaction Law Moot Court Competition 2024: A Stage to Nurture the Next Generation of Digital Lawyers!!

Although electronic transaction laws may seem new, the "Electronic Transactions Act B.E. 2544 (2001)" has been in effect for quite some time. This crucial law supports online transactions for Thai citizens, granting them the same legal standing as offline transactions. Despite its long enforcement, there are still relatively few Thai legal professionals with expertise or deep understanding of its provisions. Thus, the e-Transaction Law Moot Court Competition 2024 was established to fulfill ETDA's goal of enhancing knowledge and understanding of the law's core principles among aspiring young lawyers. Through this competition, participants engage in debates on "electronic transaction law" by delivering oral statements in appellate court settings, honing their skills in specialized legal areas related to electronic transactions. As these issues grow increasingly significant, the competition aims to prepare participants for future careers as professional digital lawyers. Although this marks the first year and the first instance in Thailand to use this law as a central competition topic, the event has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, attracting 59 teams of law students nationwide. The event concluded successfully, with the "Kai Yang Sam Sahai" team winning first place and the "IT Depends" team securing the runner-up position.

During the ETDA Live discussion, both teams shared their views on the competition, highlighting it as a valuable experience. In addition to specialized theoretical and practical training (workshops) from legal experts, participants gained extensive experience through the competition. It was a crucial opportunity to learn and deepen their understanding of electronic transaction laws, which remain relatively new for law students and are not yet part of standard curricula. Participants also developed essential legal skills, including critical thinking, interpretation, drafting statements, debating, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Moreover, these future "rising star lawyers" shared simple tips for conducting electronic transactions with confidence and safety:

• Understand and Stay Informed: Everyone must first understand that electronic transactions have the same legal validity as traditional transactions. Before proceeding, carefully review steps, conditions, and potential legal consequences to prevent future issues.
• Stay Mindful: While electronic transactions are quick and convenient, they can also be risky if done without caution. Always double-check details, such as product prices and terms of purchase, to avoid misunderstandings or fraud. For financial transactions, verify recipient names and amounts before transferring funds.
• Be Cautious: Always remember that any online action—chat messages, digital file exchanges, or even "reading without replying"—could be considered a legally binding transaction. Be mindful when communicating or confirming information online.
• Keep Records: Always save evidence of electronic transactions, such as payment slips or transaction records, to resolve potential issues later.
• Verify Security: Before making any transaction, ensure that the website or application is secure and trustworthy to avoid fraud or data theft.
• Beware of Scams: Do not trust suspicious messages or click on unverified links. Never disclose personal or financial information publicly or to unauthorized individuals.
• Stay Updated: In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, laws must adapt as well. Regularly update your knowledge of laws related to electronic transactions to stay prepared for changes.

Digital Wellness Lifestyle: Living Well, Living Sustainably, and Living Happily in the Digital World
Another equally compelling campaign is EDC Pitching Season 2: Digital Wellness Lifestyle, which promotes mindful, balanced, and responsible online living through three sub-themes: 1) Screen Time Management, 2) Digital Detox, and 3) Digital Mindfulness. The winning team, Play Spirit, proposed the "Play Spirit: Happy Clear Screen" campaign, encouraging children to take breaks from screens and engage in brain and physical development activities. The first runner-up, MANTA RAY, launched the "Helmet Login" campaign to educate riders about health and wellness in the digital era through creative content. The second runner-up, Heavenly Angels, developed the "Your Mind" app, addressing excessive screen time through the concept of 3R: Reduce, Reconnect, Relive. Each team shared unique insights into their campaigns, emphasizing that Digital Wellness is not about rejecting technology but learning to live happily with it.

For more updates and exciting campaigns like these, follow ETDA Thailand's Facebook page. Don't miss out on life-changing digital experiences!