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 9th 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

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

 

First step towards radio digitalisation
18.02.2014 - Thailand 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


Thailand to auction 4000 digital radio licences
20.01.2014 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s media regulator plans to auction 4,000 digital radio licences early in 2015. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) says it will licence 20 national frequencies, the rest will be local and regional licences.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


NBTC may auction 4000 licences for digital radio
13.01.2014 - Thailand Thailand
Fresh from the successful licence auction for commercial digital TV channels last month, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is looking to auction about 4,000 similar licences for digital radio early next year.

(The Nation) Read more


Thailand's NBTC Says 2014 Will Be Year of Digital Radio
20.12.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission says it plans to prioritize digital radio in 2014.

(Radio World) Read more


Thailand: Digital radio trials set for 2014
19.12.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s media regulator says it will start trials of digital radio in 2014.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


NBTC digital radio trials will commence in 2014
16.12.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, said trials for digital radio will start early next year with collaboration from government agencies that own radio frequencies.

(Bangkok Post) Read more


Digital radio the next priority for Thailand’s media regulator
21.10.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Digital radio is on next year's agenda, now that the digital TV license process is underway, says Thailand’s media regulator.

(ABU) Read more


Thailand: Digital radio the next priority for media regulator
16.10.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Digital radio is on the agenda over the next year now that the digital TV licence process is underway, says Thailand’s media regulator.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand: NBTC Maps Out DAB Deployment
14.10.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will focus on managing radio stations and frequency reallocation to pave the way for digital radio, according to The Nation.

(Radio World) Read more


Two-year-old NBTC maps out agenda, including digital radio
08.10.2013 - Thailand Thailand
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission plans this year to focus on managing radio stations, allocating frequencies for digital radio broadcasting and reclaiming telecom frequencies for reallocation

(The Nation) 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: 20.05.2022

Useful Links

broadcast.nbtc.go.th/home/
Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission