Thailand

Last update: 24.12.2024 - older versions

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

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, equivalent to 10.63% of the population.

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 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

 

Broadcasters from across Southeast Asia assemble for DAB+ workshop
28.07.2019 - WorldDAB News - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Radio experts from several countries across the ASEAN region attended the workshop on digital radio services implementation and business Models which took place on July 24 at Bangkok, Thailand. Speaking via video link, WorldDAB Vice President and CEO of Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner congratulated Thailand on leading the way in the region following the launch of 20-month trial in Bangkok and the areas surrounding the capital, with a total of 11 stations on air.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


ASEAN broadcasters assemble in Bangkok for DAB+ workshop
25.07.2019 - Thailand Thailand
Radio experts from across ASEAN attended yesterday's workshop on "Digital Radio Services, Implementation and Business Models" organised jointly by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Royal Thai Army (RTA), the Government Public Relations Department (PRO) and WorldDAB.

Read more


DAB+ trials announced in Thailand and Vietnam
11.03.2019 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand - Vietnam Vietnam
A 20 month trial is expected to go on air in and around Bangkok this year, with a total of 11 stations set to take part in the trial.Vietnam is also ready to proceed with a further DAB+ to evaluate coverage parameters and test signal and sound quality in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The trial is due to start in April 2019.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand and Vietnam announce DAB+ trials
07.03.2019 - Thailand Thailand - Vietnam Vietnam
NBTC Thailand and Voice of Vietnam both provided further details and timelines for the planned DAB+ trials at this week’s ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. A 20 month trial is expected to go on air this year in and around Bangkok, while Vietnam is now ready to proceed with its second DAB+ trial in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in April 2019.

(WorldDAB) Read more


Factum Radioscape provides first national DAB+ head-end system for Thailand
24.01.2019 - Factum Radioscape WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Factum Radioscape's ENMUXA will be the first DAB+ head end system in the Thailand. The redundant encoding, multiplexing and monitoring system is currently being installed in Bangkok and is expected to go on air in coming weeks.

(Factum Radioscape) Read more


Paneda awarded first DAB head-end system in Thailand
26.09.2018 - Thailand Thailand
Paneda has been awarded to provide the first DAB head-end system in Thailand, the system includes a fully redundant system including the unique Paneda SMART content switching. This first DAB system will be on-air by the end of the year and starts in Bangkok. Thailand will continue to roll out DAB networks across Thailand, starting 2019. "This first order for DAB+ head-end systems in Thailand is a big step into digitisation of radio in Thailand, and we are proud to be selected as provider of the DAB technology," Paneda Asia Sales Manager Anupon Tajawanno said.

(Paneda) Read more


The CMTSX7: Sony's coolest sound system yet
09.10.2017 - Sony Corporation - Thailand Thailand
Sony CMTSX7 is a multifunction Hi-Fi system with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology that has powerful and good-quality sounds and gives you networked speakers. The SX7 is a CD player, FM tuner, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth speaker system...

(ThaiVisa News) Read more


Sony's coolest sound system yet
26.08.2017 - Sony Corporation - Thailand Thailand
The SX7 is a CD player, FM tuner, DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth speaker system, Wi-Fi speaker system, USB music player, USB DAC speaker system for your computer, and a Chromecast speaker system with Chromecast built in..

(The Nation) Read more


Joan Warner at Radio Asia: Radio's future is multi-platform
26.04.2017 - Commercial Radio & Audio WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand - Australia Australia
At RadioAsia 2017, Joan Warner from Commercial Radio Australia discussed the success of radio in Australia, focusing on innovative radio content creation, and commented: “Radio businesses need to continue moving forward while keeping their deep connections with their audiences,” she said, but warned that broadcasting needs to remain free to air and “not be controlled by gatekeepers such as internet providers... Radio’s future is multi-platform but the core business model for the foreseeable future is in free to air broadcasting.”

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thai radio plans to move to digital broadcasting
26.04.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Speaking at the RadioAsia 2017 Conference in Thailand, the Chairman of the country's regulator NBTC, Colonel Sukonrat outlined some the problems currently being experienced by the Thai radio industry. "There are too many stations, especially the trial stations; there is frequency interference; and there are delays in technological development... Radio is a crucial means of communication in Thailand," he said, telling delegates there are 193 AM stations on air, 313 FM stations and 5418 FM trial stations.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 66.1 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 10.6%
Services: 17 DAB+
Last update: 11.12.2024

Useful Links

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