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 9th 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

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

 

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


WorldDAB workshop agenda announced for RadioAsia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
The agenda has been revealed for WorldDAB's 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).

(Radioinfo ) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for RadioAsia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
The agenda for WorldDAB's DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok, has been revealed. Building on the success of the DAB+ workshop at ABU DBS in March, the half-day programme includes commercial radio case studies, updates on DAB+ transmission and receiver equipment and the radio spectrum challenge in South East Asia.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand settles on DAB+
03.04.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission plans to launch digital radio in 2018 and has recently stated that guidelines will be finalised before the start of a DAB+ nationwide trial.

(Radio World) 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: 20.05.2022

Useful Links

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