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

 

Thailand Hosts RadioAsia 2017 Conference
23.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
From 26 to 28 April 2017 over 300 radio media practitioners, policy makers, and academics from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond will gather in Bangkok for the RadioAsia 2017 Conference. Organised jointly by the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), which represents the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the event will explore the major aspects of the theme the "Creating Radio with Passion: Looking into the World of Radio”. WorldDAB will host a DAB+ workshop at the start of the Conference on 26 April.

(Thailand PRD) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for RadioAsia 2017
07.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
WorldDAB has announced the line-up for its DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok. With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the programme includes key speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The workshop takes place from 09:00-12:30 on April the 26th.

(C+T magazine) Read more


WorldDAB Workshop Agenda Set for RadioAsia
05.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
With Thailand planning to launch digital radio in 2018, WorldDAB will bring in speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, including Col. Dr. Natee Sunkonrat, vice-chair of NBTC and chair of the National Broadcasting...

(Radio World) Read more


WorldDAB Hosts DAB+ Workshop During RadioAsia 2017
05.04.2017 - Thailand Thailand
With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the program includes key speakers from that country’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission..

(Radio magazine) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for Radio Asia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
WorldDAB has announced the line-up for its DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok. With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the programme includes key speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Read more


WorldDAB workshop agenda announced for RadioAsia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
The agenda has been revealed for WorldDAB's DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok. With Thailand recently announcing plans to launch digital radio in 2018, the programme includes key speakers from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

(Radioinfo ) Read more


WorldDAB announces workshop agenda for RadioAsia 2017
04.04.2017 - WorldDAB News - Thailand Thailand
The agenda for WorldDAB's DAB+ workshop, taking place at the start of RadioAsia 2017 in Bangkok, has been revealed. Building on the success of the DAB+ workshop at ABU DBS in March, the half-day programme includes commercial radio case studies, updates on DAB+ transmission and receiver equipment and the radio spectrum challenge in South East Asia.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand settles on DAB+
03.04.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission plans to launch digital radio in 2018 and has recently stated that guidelines will be finalised before the start of a DAB+ nationwide trial.

(Radio World) Read more


Thailand to launch digital radio in 2018
24.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to launch digital radio in 2018 and states that guidelines should be finalised before the start of a nationwide trial.

(Asia Radio Today) Read more


Thailand settles on DAB+
22.03.2017 - National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand WorldDAB Member - Thailand Thailand
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is to launch digital radio in 2018 and is finalising guidelines before the start of a nationwide trial. DAB+ licenses are to be sold gradually nationwide, regionally and then locally.

(Radio magazine) 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