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Thailand

Last update: 01.06.2020 - older versions

In April 2019, a 20 month trial was launched in Bangkok and the areas surrounding the capital.

The trial network consists of one DAB+ multiplex with a capacity of up to 18 services. There is a total of 13 trial stations currently on air with the trial.

NBTC plan to extend the DAB+ trial in Bangkok for 3 years, and in 2020, it is expected NBTCwill expand DAB+ trial services and coverage to regional areas in the North, North-East, Central, and South of Thailand.

The objective of the trial is to discover appropriate network parameters in different environments, and to demonstrate interference-free audio, business models, introduce new data services on DAB+ including slideshow, data, emergency warning, EPG, and pop-up services.

NBTC and ITU have joint project on Roadmap Development for Digital Terrestrial Radio Roll Out in Thailand. The study report “Deployment Strategies for Digital Radio Services in Thailand” is available on at https://broadcast.nbtc.go.th/data/academic/file/600300000002.pdf

Last update: 01.06.2020 - older versions

DAB+ coverage in Bangkok is approximately 14% of population, with mobile covering around 10.4 million people, and portable indoor coverage covering around 9.5 millions people.

In this country there is

Regional multiplex: 1 Trial

on air.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	11	1	12

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: 27.09.2019 - older versions

The frequency plan for the DAB+ digital radio trial starting in 2019 covers 10 cities (9 provices) – Bangkok, Chiangmai, Kon Kaen, Nakorn Ratchasima, Sriracha, Pattaya, Prachaup Khiri Khan, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Songkla and Phuket.

The objective of the trial is to discover appropriate network parameters in different environments, and to demonstrate interference free audio, business models, introduce new data services on DAB+ including slideshow, data, emergency warning, EPG, and pop-up services.

The initial trial started in April 2019 covering Bangkok and the immediate vicinity, and it will last for a period of 20 months, until end 2021.

The trial network consists of one DAB+ multiplex with a capacity of up to 18 services. There is a total of 11 trial services (stations) on air with the trial, including the top ten most popular commercial radio stations, and one test channel.

Last update: 20.03.2017 - older versions

The first Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan (2012-2016) states strategies for terrestrial digital radio roll-out with key objectives:

Roadmap and policy for digital terrestrial radio roll-out within two years, after the adoption of the Master Plan
Broadcasting spectrum management policy and plan, as well as spectrum licensing framework for digital radio broadcasting within three years
At least 80% of households in major cities will be able to access digital terrestrial broadcast within five year

The first National Digital Economy (DE) plan (2016-2018) also states the strategies for Digital Radio rollout that it should provide digital radio network in Thailand within three years after adoption of DE plan.

Last update: 27.09.2019 - older versions

Norway is well ahead in the world

11.04.2014 - Norway - Thailand

On Monday 7 April a delegation from Thailand’s radio and government visited NRK. They visited in order to see how things are done in the first country to officially announce that it will switch off FM. FM switch off could happen as early as 2017 as long as certain coverage and listening requirements are met. Thailand is also on the road to digitizing its radio industry and started on the process about a year ago.

(Kampanje) Read more

NBTC Moves Forward With Radio, TV Digitization

14.03.2014 - Thailand

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will allocate existing analog TV frequencies for digital radio later this year, according to the Bangkok Post.

(Radio World) Read more

Interview: Col Natee Sukonrat, Thailand's NBTC

07.03.2014 - Thailand

Last month, Thailand revealed plans to roll-out digital radio in 2015 preceded by a year-long trial. Asia Radio Today spoke to Col. Natee Sukonrat, Vice-Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to find out more.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

NBTC to allocate TV and radio licenses together

05.03.2014 - Thailand

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will allocate existing analogue TV frequencies to use with digital radio later this year, the Bangkok Post reported.

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more

NBTC to sync digital radio with TV broadcast roll-out

04.03.2014 - Thailand

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will allocate existing analogue TV frequencies to use with digital radio later this year. "Thailand will follow the best practices for digital radio.

(Bangkok Post) Read more

Thailand to Test Digital Radio

24.02.2014 - Thailand

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has partnered with eight state agencies to conduct a digital radio broadcasting test, according to The Nation. They will use the existing infrastructures of the armed forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police, Public Public Relations Department, secretariat of the House of Representatives and public service broadcaster MCOT. Digital radio will be transmitted over the VHF band, some of which currently carries analog terrestrial TV broadcasts.

(Radio World) Read more

The McLaren 650S with DAB+

24.02.2014 - Thailand

The McLaren 650S now comes with DAB+.

(Bangkok Post ) Read more

PRD's Director General heralds anniversary of radio broadcasting in Thailand

24.02.2014 - Thailand

The Director General of the Public Relations Department hailed the transition to digital radio saying that it is well underway and the ongoing study of professional practice would include the development of skilled personnel.

(Thailand National News Bureau) Read more

Thai digital radio plans move a step closer

19.02.2014 - Thailand

Eight state agencies have signed up with Thailand’s media regulator to trial digital radio, reports The Nation.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

First step towards radio digitalisation

18.02.2014 - Thailand

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission yesterday joined with eight state agencies to test run digital radio broadcasting. The analog TV switch-off may take more than three years to complete, but the debut of digital radio is expected by next year under the Broadcasting Master Plan (2012-16).

(The Nation) Read more