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Thailand

Last update: 24.01.2022 - older versions

The expansion of the DAB+ trial in Bangkok Thailand was announced at the WorldDAB Technical Group meeting on the 9^th of December 2021. The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand is set to coordinate the construction of 10 new transmission sites which include both National and Local DAB+ layers.

The expansion includes the areas and cites of Chang Mai in the north, Khonkaen and Nakhon Ratchasima in the north east, Pattaya and Chonburi adjacent to Bangkok, and Songkhla, Nakhon Thammarat and the tourist centre of Phuket in the south.

Earlier in 2021, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Army, the second DAB+ digital radio trial was launched in the Bangkok metropolitan area and its vicinity, as well as in major cities in other regions.

Along with the initial objectives; discovering appropriate network parameters in different environments; demonstrating interference-free audio; and introducing new DAB+ data services such as slideshows, data communication, emergency warning system (EWS), electronic program guide (EPG), and pop-up services; the aim of the current trial is to understand the obstacles and barriers that were found in the first trial. Especially concerning the diverse geographic features and urban development in Bangkok and regional areas, the trial must be deliberately continuously taken place in further achieving the most beneficial coverage and quality.

Last update: 20.05.2022 - older versions

DAB+ coverage in Bangkok metropolitan area and its vicinity is approximately 16.7% of the population of Thailand, with mobile DAB+ coverage of approximately 11 million people.

Last update: 05.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there is

Regional multiplex: 1 Trial

on air.

Please note:

(a) These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b) The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	13	1	14

Last update: 27.09.2019 - older versions

NBTC has continuing cooperation with automotive manufacturers in Thailand such as organising focus group meeting on Digital Radio Strategies development plan.

In Thailand, 35% of radio listening takes place in the car.

Last update: 29.09.2014

NBTC has consulted with radio receiver manufacturers for sourcing digital radio receivers.

Last update: 26.10.2021 - older versions

In the beginning phase in 2019, the frequency plan for the DAB+ digital radio trial was planned to cover 10 major cities within 8 provinces – Bangkok, Chiangmai, Kon Kaen, Nakorn Ratchasima, Sriracha, Pattaya, Prachaup Khiri Khan, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Songkla and Phuket. In 2021, the trial refocused on 6 major cities – Bangkok, Chiangmai, Kon Kaen, Sriracha, Banglamung, Songkla.

The objectives of the trial are to discover appropriate network parameters in different environments, to demonstrate interference-free audio and business models, and to introduce new data services on DAB+ including slideshows, data communication, emergency warning system (EWS), electronic program guide (EPG), and pop-up services.

The initial trial started in April 2019 carried out in Bangkok and the immediate vicinity. The second trial was signed up in January 2021 for further development and in response to the emerging issues.

Today, the trial network consists of one DAB+ multiplex with a capacity of up to 18 services. There are a total of 14 trial services (participating stations) on air with the trial, including the top ten most popular commercial radio stations, and one test channel.

Last update: 20.05.2022 - older versions

In alignment with digitalization and digitization frameworks such as the Digital Economy and Society Development Plans (No. 1 (2016 - 2018) and No.2 (2018 - 2037)), digital transformation has been adopted in the First Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan B.E. 2555 – 2559 (2012-2016) and following the Second Broadcasting Master Plan B.E. 2563 – 2568 (2020 - 2025) as guidelines to enhance the standards of the broadcasting service and to increase access/options for people to continually receive services and necessary basic information throughout the nation.

The use of VHF radiofrequency for digital radio was as well collaboratively prescribed under the Spectrum Management Master Plan B.E. 2564 (2021) and its amendments. Thus, the roll-out of terrestrial digital radio has been continuously proceeding as one of the ultimate achievements since 2012. Today, the trial operation has been set as one of the key indicators of Strategy No.1 - the Development of Audio Broadcasting Service in Thailand - under the Second Broadcasting Master Plan.

Last update: 27.09.2019 - older versions

Chiang Mai University introduces DAB+ broadcasting for emergency warning

31.10.2019 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - Thailand

The faculty of Mass Communication at Chiang Mai University has partnered with Paneda to use DAB+ digital radio technology for testing its potential for emergency warnings. The trial phase is set to start in the near future.

(Chiangrai) Read more

Broadcasters from across Southeast Asia assemble for DAB+ workshop

28.07.2019 -

- National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand

Radio experts from several countries across the ASEAN region attended the workshop on digital radio services implementation and business Models which took place on July 24 at Bangkok, Thailand. Speaking via video link, WorldDAB Vice President and CEO of Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner congratulated Thailand on leading the way in the region following the launch of 20-month trial in Bangkok and the areas surrounding the capital, with a total of 11 stations on air.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

ASEAN broadcasters assemble in Bangkok for DAB+ workshop

25.07.2019 - Thailand

Radio experts from across ASEAN attended yesterday's workshop on "Digital Radio Services, Implementation and Business Models" organised jointly by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Royal Thai Army (RTA), the Government Public Relations Department (PRO) and WorldDAB.

DAB+ trials announced in Thailand and Vietnam

11.03.2019 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand - Vietnam

A 20 month trial is expected to go on air in and around Bangkok this year, with a total of 11 stations set to take part in the trial.Vietnam is also ready to proceed with a further DAB+ to evaluate coverage parameters and test signal and sound quality in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The trial is due to start in April 2019.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

Thailand and Vietnam announce DAB+ trials

07.03.2019 - Thailand - Vietnam

NBTC Thailand and Voice of Vietnam both provided further details and timelines for the planned DAB+ trials at this week’s ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. A 20 month trial is expected to go on air this year in and around Bangkok, while Vietnam is now ready to proceed with its second DAB+ trial in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in April 2019.

(WorldDAB) Read more

Factum Radioscape provides first national DAB+ head-end system for Thailand

24.01.2019 - Factum Radioscape - Thailand

Factum Radioscape's ENMUXA will be the first DAB+ head end system in the Thailand. The redundant encoding, multiplexing and monitoring system is currently being installed in Bangkok and is expected to go on air in coming weeks.

(Factum Radioscape) Read more

Paneda awarded first DAB head-end system in Thailand

26.09.2018 - Thailand

Paneda has been awarded to provide the first DAB head-end system in Thailand, the system includes a fully redundant system including the unique Paneda SMART content switching. This first DAB system will be on-air by the end of the year and starts in Bangkok. Thailand will continue to roll out DAB networks across Thailand, starting 2019. "This first order for DAB+ head-end systems in Thailand is a big step into digitisation of radio in Thailand, and we are proud to be selected as provider of the DAB technology," Paneda Asia Sales Manager Anupon Tajawanno said.

(Paneda) Read more

The CMTSX7: Sony's coolest sound system yet

09.10.2017 - Sony Corporation WorldDAB Member - Thailand

Sony CMTSX7 is a multifunction Hi-Fi system with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology that has powerful and good-quality sounds and gives you networked speakers. The SX7 is a CD player, FM tuner, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth speaker system...

(ThaiVisa News) Read more

Sony's coolest sound system yet

26.08.2017 - Sony Corporation WorldDAB Member - Thailand

The SX7 is a CD player, FM tuner, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth speaker system, Wi-Fi speaker system, USB music player, USB DAC speaker system for your computer, and a Chromecast speaker system with Chromecast built in..

(The Nation) Read more

Joan Warner at Radio Asia: Radio's future is multi-platform

26.04.2017 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Thailand - Australia

At RadioAsia 2017, Joan Warner from Commercial Radio Australia discussed the success of radio in Australia, focusing on innovative radio content creation, and commented: “Radio businesses need to continue moving forward while keeping their deep connections with their audiences,” she said, but warned that broadcasting needs to remain free to air and “not be controlled by gatekeepers such as internet providers... Radio’s future is multi-platform but the core business model for the foreseeable future is in free to air broadcasting.”

(Asia Radio Today) Read more