Thailand

Last update: 06.09.2023 - older versions

In September 2023, it was reported that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is planning a transition of existing analogue radio stations to the digital audio broadcasting (DAB) system under its planned licensing regime. The plan is meant to improve the industry's service standards and help all stakeholders handle digital disruption, according to the telecom regulator. The shift also includes the 3,900 community radio stations that were permitted by the NBTC to operate on a trial basis. The NBTC aims to finish the DAB licensing method and principles by the middle of next year, and is planning to start the shift to the DAB system in early 2025. The NBTC panel drafting the DAB licensing regime has already concluded all the licensing details.

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC) in conjunction with the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television have been running a high power DAB+ trial in the Thai capital of Bangkok since 2018.

A second project has been established to test DAB+ in four major regional areas, Chon Buri south of Bangkok, Chiang Mai in the north, Khon Kaen in the northeast, and Song Khla in the south of Thailand. The regional trials are an extension of the Bangkok trial and focus on determining the suitable technical standard and parameters for the regional areas. 

Last update: 31.05.2023 - 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. 

The coverage of the regional transmissions is currently being assessed through the ongoing regional trials and is expected to be able provide services to approximately 4 million people

Last update: 05.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

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: 31.05.2023 - older versions

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

During the regional trial TV5, the system provider, worked with a number of receiver manufacturers to develop a domestic receiver which includes a colour screen, is Thai language text capable and also has controls for Announcements such as traffic and news and includes the Emergency Warning function.

Last update: 31.05.2023 - 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 eight provinces – Bangkok, Chiangmai, Kon Kaen, Nakorn Ratchasima, Sriracha, Pattaya, Prachaup Khiri Khan, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Songkla and Phuket. In 2021, the trial refocused on six major cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Song Khla / Hat Yai and Chon Buri area (Sri Racha and Pattaya).

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 programme 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 capacity for up to 18 audio services (see Services on air) including the top ten most popular commercial channels in Bangkok plus six regional services and two data services.

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

 

Paneda awarded first DAB head-end system in Thailand
26.09.2018 - Thailand 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 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 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 Thailand - Australia 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


Thai radio plans to move to digital broadcasting
26.04.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Speaking at the RadioAsia 2017 Conference in Thailand, the Chairman of the country's regulator NBTC, Colonel Sukonrat outlined some the problems currently being experienced by the Thai radio industry. "There are too many stations, especially the trial stations; there is frequency interference; and there are delays in technological development... Radio is a crucial means of communication in Thailand," he said, telling delegates there are 193 AM stations on air, 313 FM stations and 5418 FM trial stations.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand Hosts RadioAsia 2017 Conference
23.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
From 26 to 28 April 2017 over 300 radio media practitioners, policy makers, and academics from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond will gather in Bangkok for the RadioAsia 2017 Conference. Organised jointly by the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), which represents the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the event will explore the major aspects of the theme the "Creating Radio with Passion: Looking into the World of Radio”. WorldDAB will host a DAB+ workshop at the start of the Conference on 26 April.

(Thailand PRD) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for RadioAsia 2017
07.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
WorldDAB has announced the line-up for its DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok. With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the programme includes key speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The workshop takes place from 09:00-12:30 on April the 26th.

(C+T magazine) Read more


WorldDAB Workshop Agenda Set for RadioAsia
05.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
With Thailand planning to launch digital radio in 2018, WorldDAB will bring in speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, including Col. Dr. Natee Sunkonrat, vice-chair of NBTC and chair of the National Broadcasting...

(Radio World) Read more


WorldDAB Hosts DAB+ Workshop During RadioAsia 2017
05.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the program includes key speakers from that country’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission..

(Radio magazine) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for Radio Asia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
WorldDAB has announced the line-up for its DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok. With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the programme includes key speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Read more


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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 66.1 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 16.7%
Services: 14 DAB+
Last update: 31.05.2023

Useful Links

broadcast.nbtc.go.th/home/
Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission