Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved a strategic roadmap aimed at the future of digital television, with the results expected to be concluded by the end of the year. This initiative is set to guide the regulation and promotion of television business operations, as the current digital TV business licenses are set to expire in 2029.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasut, NBTC Director of Television Affairs, revealed that the NBTC board meeting focused on an analysis of the future landscape of Thailand’s television industry. The discussion centered around developing guidelines for regulating and promoting television business in the country, which will be informed by a consulting project on the future landscape of Thailand’s broadcasting industry amidst the evolving technological environment. The NBTC aims to align current laws with technological convergence between telecommunications and broadcasting businesses, potentially r
equiring amendments to individual laws or the entire legal framework.
The NBTC Board has directed the NBTC Office to submit various proposals for a public hearing, with a conclusion expected by the end of the year. This will allow for adequate preparation before the expiration of commercial digital TV licenses in April 2029. The public hearing will address several critical issues, including frequency resource management, network infrastructure, and licensing processes. It will explore whether spectrum license applications should follow the same auction process or if other methods can be applied, considering factors like the number of channels and their resolution. The flexibility of the regulatory framework will be emphasized, with a focus on updating laws and regulations to ensure they are current, reducing regulatory costs, and implementing the “Must Carry” rule.
Previously, on September 10, 2025, Mr. Suphap Kleekhajai, President of the Digital Television Association (Thailand), along with other executive
s, approached the NBTC Chairman with a request for updates on the progress of implementing the Digital TV Roadmap for 2029. This inquiry was made to facilitate early planning and preparation before the expiration of television operating licenses for commercial digital TV channels.