Launching the Digital Thai Knowledge Park yesterday at Cen-tral World Plaza amid tight security, Thaksin said the cyber version of the popular Thai Knowledge Park (TK Park) was a leap forward.

There was now a new source of learning and creative activities for children and youth all over Thailand, he said.

Digital TK Park offers new and creative places for youth to learn and play via "edutainment". It will help new generations to deal efficiently with the country's burdens, he said.

TK Park chief Sirikorn Maneerin said the "living library" on the sixth floor of Central World had proved popular since it opened two years ago. More than 60,000 people had used the living library - which was about 3,000 a day, she said.

The library is being expanded with additional librarians and new branches to open soon in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Yala, she said.

With the virtual TK Park just a click away at www.tkpark.or.th, youth near and far can access information and activities, Sirikorn said.

And, she said, membership is free for those joining in the first six months.

Digital TK Park activities included an online community and inquiry services in many fields including psychology, technology, movies and music. There was an e-book lending service providing access to more than 6,000 e-books, including rare titles held by the Culture Ministry.

Culture deputy permanent secretary Veera Rojpojchanarat said the ministry assisted TK Park by providing material from the National Library and the National Archives.

TK Park is part of the government's plan to transform the country into a "knowledge based society".