Thailand

Last update: 06.09.2023 - older versions

In September 2023, it was reported that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is planning a transition of existing analogue radio stations to the digital audio broadcasting (DAB) system under its planned licensing regime. The plan is meant to improve the industry's service standards and help all stakeholders handle digital disruption, according to the telecom regulator. The shift also includes the 3,900 community radio stations that were permitted by the NBTC to operate on a trial basis. The NBTC aims to finish the DAB licensing method and principles by the middle of next year, and is planning to start the shift to the DAB system in early 2025. The NBTC panel drafting the DAB licensing regime has already concluded all the licensing details.

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC) in conjunction with the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television have been running a high power DAB+ trial in the Thai capital of Bangkok since 2018.

A second project has been established to test DAB+ 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. The regional trials are an extension of the Bangkok trial and focus on determining the suitable technical standard and parameters for the regional areas. 

Last update: 31.05.2023 - 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. 

The coverage of the regional transmissions is currently being assessed through the ongoing regional trials and is expected to be able provide services to approximately 4 million people

Last update: 05.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

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: 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

 

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


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


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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: 31.05.2023

Useful Links

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