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

 

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


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


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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