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

 

Digital radio, TV auction rules approved
22.04.2013 - Thailand Thailand
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved the final draft regulations for the planned e-auction of licences to operate commercial digital radio channels and terrestrial digital TV channels.

(The Nation) Read more


Thailand Edges Closer to DAB+
12.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
“This workshop initiated by the NBTC was an opportunity for Thailand, especially the radio broadcasters and the Thai people, to learn about digital radio technologies,” said Colonel Dr. Natee Sukonrat, the vice chairman of the NBTC.

(Radio World) Read more


Thailand plans for digital radio
07.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has indicated that it will likely use Australia's digital radio system as a model to migrate from analog, according to the Bangkok Post.

(Southgate Amateur Radio Club) Read more


DAB+ Digital Radio Transmission Demonstration in Bangkok
05.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
DAB+ digital radio will be broadcasting live for the first time in Bangkok.

(www.bayerndigitalradio.de) Read more


NBTC mulls digital radio spectrum
05.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is considering allocating spectrum for digital radio next year.

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more


Thailand Plans for Digital Radio
05.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
The chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, Col Natee Sukonrat, said the regulator is studying the digital radio transition in Australia, which according to the article is the country that is viewed as the most successful in implementing the scheme.

(Radio magazine (press release)) Read more


DAB+ transmission demonstration in Bangkok
05.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Using DAB equipment and expertise from Australia and Europe where digital radio is on air, the three-day Workshop in Bangkok from 1 to 3 March 2013, will include a live field test demonstration in and around Bangkok.

(Radioinfo (subscription)) Read more


DAB+ transmission demonstration in Bangkok
05.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Using DAB equipment and expertise from Australia and Europe where digital radio is on air, the three-day Workshop in Bangkok from 1 to 3 March 2013, will include a live field test demonstration in and around Bangkok.

(Radioinfo (subscription)) Read more


DAB+ Digital Radio Transmission Demonstration in Bangkok
01.03.2013 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
DAB+ digital radio will be broadcasting live for the first time in Bangkok tomorrow as part of a three-day technology Workshop and demonstration jointly organised by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Thailand, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

(WorldDMB) Read more


Digital radio mulled for 2013
01.03.2013 - Thailand Thailand
Natee Sukonrat, vice chairman of the NBTC and chairman of the broadcasting committee, said that this year the committee would test-launch digital radio once every six months. Next year it might allocate an unused VHF spectrum for digital radio.

(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