The Digital Television Association of Thailand, along with television operators, submitted a letter to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) urging it to expedite the creation and announcement of a master plan and roadmap for television operations before the license expiration in 2029, pointing out that the industry is currently affected by this uncertainty.
The Digital Television Association of Thailand, together with television operators led by Mr. Diao Worattangtrakul, the Association's secretary; Mr. Chakrit Direkwattanachai, the vice president; and Ms. Jariyawann Trapsutthi, a representative from Amarin TV, submitted a letter to Pol. Col. Prawet Moolpramook, secretary to the chairman of the NBTC; Gen. Kitti Ketsri, advisor to the NBTC chairman; and Mr. Chantaphat Khamkhokkrut, special policy and planning scholar acting as deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, who received the letter on their behalf.
The Association requested that the NBTC fulfill its legal duties by issuing a master plan for television operations after license expiration in 2029. They noted that they have continuously presented data, facts, and policy proposals to the NBTC and have urged the inclusion of the master plan discussion on the agenda of several committee meetings. However, to date, no clear guidelines or announcements have been made, preventing operators from planning their long-term business strategies.
The Association views the less than three years remaining before digital TV licenses expire as a critical turning point for the television industry, a national medium that plays a vital role in the country's mass communication system.
They call for the swift announcement of a master plan and roadmap post-2029, covering licensing formats and service structures across all platforms.
It should establish fair competition criteria and measures to protect public rights to access free-to-air services.
The plan should also address technology and network transition strategies.
Additionally, the Association proposes regulation of OTT and digital platform services to ensure standards and cost burdens are equivalent to those of television operators under current laws. They also urge the NBTC to set a clear deadline for announcing this master plan, recommending completion by 30 June 2026 to allow all stakeholders adequate preparation time.
The Association further stated that if no progress is made within the proposed timeline, it could negatively impact the digital TV industry and related parties. In such a case, the Association and operators might need to exercise their legal rights to ensure a smooth industry transition that maximizes benefits for the public and the digital TV sector in the long term.
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