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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

RadioAsia2014: Successes and challenges for Asian radio

24.05.2014 - India - Malaysia - Hong Kong - Thailand - Bangladesh

Saturday’s final session at RadioAsia 2014 saw eight panelists from around the world share their expertise.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more

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