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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

Thailand to launch digital radio in 2018

24.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - 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’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

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

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

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

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

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

Expat radio stations still thriving despite the internet

30.08.2015 - Australia - Switzerland - Belgium - Thailand

Expat stations have many problems: not least, non-existent or fatally flawed research figures, and sometimes quite draconian broadcast law and ownership rules that differ from ‘back home’. That said, there are significant opportunities with new technologies, like DAB+ and online, to better serve expat communities.

(radioinfo) Read more

Digital radio in Asia-Pacific

31.05.2015 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Australia - Myanmar - Thailand

During the RadioAsia 2015 conference in Myanmar, Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner shared the story of digital radio in Australia, and how radio companies cannot solely rely on telecommunication companies to provide reliable streaming services.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

NBTC expected to adopt DAB+

25.11.2014 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is likely to adopt digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology for digital radio in Thailand. DAB technology is used for radio broadcasting in Australia and several European countries. DAB+ is the latest version, and a study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said DAB+ was a realistic option for Thailand.

(Bangkok Post) Read more