Bangkok: The future of Thai television is in crisis, as the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund has urged the government to provide urgent support for the industry's sustainable survival.
According to Thai News Agency, the fund unveiled its vision for "The Future of Thai Television in the Next Decade" at the Media Alert academic seminar. The event, titled "The Picture of Thai Television in the Next Decade: Creating a Sustainable Content Industry and Thai Society," highlighted the critical state of the terrestrial television industry amid digital disruption. Key research findings and policy recommendations were presented to address the ongoing challenges.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramsoot, a member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) responsible for television affairs, emphasized the drastic changes in the media landscape. She pointed out that traditional television screens have become obsolete as global smart TV operating systems now control access channels, pushing Thai television channels to less visible locations. Dr. Pirongrong advocated for a shift from "Must Carry" regulations to "Must Find" measures, which would require smart TVs to prominently display Thai television channels on their main screen. This measure is seen as crucial for preserving the identity of Thai media. The new broadcasting and television master plan remains under consideration by the NBTC board, as the previous plan expired in August 2025, causing delays in adopting new regulations.
Research from the College of Social Communication Innovation at Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) aligns with these findings, proposing sustainable solutions for the industry. The research views Thai free-to-air television as a "basic social guarantee" essential for providing reliable information during crises. It suggests the government enact policies to support the industry, such as legislation to collect revenue from multinational platforms to subsidize local media producers, similar to laws in Australia and Canada. Additionally, the development of hybrid television (HbbTV) infrastructure should be accelerated to ensure the survival of the Thai media industry over the next decade.