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

 

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


Thailand to launch digital radio in 2018
24.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to launch digital radio in 2018 and states that guidelines should be finalised before the start of a nationwide trial.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand settles on DAB+
22.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is to launch digital radio in 2018 and is finalising guidelines before the start of a nationwide trial. DAB+ licenses are to be sold gradually nationwide, regionally and then locally.

(Radio magazine) Read more


Digital radio to be launched in Thailand in 2018
17.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
NBTC plans to launch digital radio in 2018 and states that guidelines should be finalised before the start of a nationwide trial. DAB+ licenses are to be gradually sold nationwide, regionally and then locally. The first trial DAB+ broadcasts began in Bangkok in March 2013.

(Asia Pacific Broadcasting Company) Read more


DAB+ in Bangkok, Thailand
27.02.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
The Thai regulator NBTC plans to launch digital radio in 2018. DAB+ licenses are to be gradually sold nationwide, regionally and then locally. The first trial DAB+ broadcasts began in Bangkok in March 2013.

(Radioempfang) Read more


ABU teams up with NBTC-Thailand on Digital Radio Broadcasting capacity building
13.12.2016 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Over one hundred participants took part in the capacity building session in Pattaya on December 2. They were mainly from government agencies, radio broadcasters, consumer organisations, media associations and other stakeholders from the Digital Radio broadcast technologies sector.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


ABU teams up with NBTC-Thailand on Digital Radio Broadcasting capacity building
09.12.2016 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Over one hundred participants took part in the capacity building session in Pattaya on 2 December 2016. They were mainly from government agencies, radio broadcasters, consumer organisations, media associations and other stakeholders from the Digital Radio broadcast technologies sector.

(ABU) Read more


NBTC to start digital radio trial by 2018
25.03.2016 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, said the agency is studying guidelines for the planned switching to digital, which is expected to be complete before the start-up of a trial.

(Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) 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