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Thailand

Last update: 09.04.2025 - older versions

After the NBTC announced criteria for permits to use radio frequencies for temporary testing and experimentation, the NBTC meeting on March 26, 2025 approved two operators to conduct testing for six months, namely:

1. The Dharma Radio Station Group, Block 9A in the Bangkok and surrounding areas. Stations participating include Dharma for the People Station and Santi Radio Station;

2. The Khon Kaen Station Group: block 6C in the areas of Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham, with stations such as Khon Kaen Mahanakhon Radio Station, Sai Fah Radio Station, Thai Local Radio Station, etc.

In October/November 2024, the NBTC published three key digital radio broadcasting technology announcements:

The radio frequency plan "covers the assignment of frequencies, technical specifications and conditions of use of frequencies for digital broadcasting in the 174 - 230 MHz radio frequency band. It defines the radio frequency blocks that can be permitted for use in each area and specifies the use of the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system with MPEG-4 High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (MPEG-4 HE AAC v2) audio codec, or DAB+ Audio."

In June 2024, the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station presented a summary of the results of its DAB+ experiment. It has tested both outdoor and indoor listening, as well as testing sending short messages and Emergency Warnings or breaking news. The test results were satisfactory, broadcasting quality is good in every sector, except in Chonburi, where parameters need to be adjusted in some areas. “The results of this experiment allow the NBTC office to receive useful information that can be further developed. The next step is to present it to the NBTC for approval in the criteria and methods for granting permission to create a network operator that can provide services to radio station operators in community, public and business categories,” said Air Chief Marshal Dr. Thanaphan.

From 2018, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC) in conjunction with the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television ran a high power DAB+ trial in the Thai capital of Bangkok. This was completed in July 2023.

There are DAB+ broadcasts 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. These cover around 7 million people, over 10% of the population.

Last update: 10.12.2024 - older versions

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	17	0	17

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

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