Thailand's television industry is counting down to another historic turning point as digital terrestrial television (digital TV) licenses are set to expire in 2029, just three years from now.
However, amid the ticking clock, operators and media professionals face a shared challenge: the "ambiguity" surrounding the direction and roadmap from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
Three years may seem long to the general public, but for an industry requiring huge investments and long-term planning in personnel, technology, and content production, this timeframe is a tight deadline. The lack of clear policy leaves the national media industry wandering in uncertainty.
In the midst of fierce competition and shifting consumer behavior toward online platforms, many may see digital TV as declining. Yet, top media executives look deeper into the core value and societal role that TV provides.
Jitsupa Watcharaphon, Co-CEO of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, shared an insightful perspective on the foundation of television media:
This statement underscores that despite changes in viewing habits, "trust" remains the most valuable currency in information. National TV serves as a pillar that filters, verifies facts, and supports citizens during crises—values that cannot be measured simply by bottom-line financial figures.
Looking to the future, the unavoidable topic is viewing platforms. Operators have continuously adapted to digital disruption, and as the license expiry approaches, the focus may no longer be on the "set-top box" or "antenna."
Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Chairman of GMM Grammy and The One Enterprise, offered a sharp vision on content direction:
This call urges the industry and regulators to look past traditional infrastructure limitations and prioritize promoting Thai content to reach viewers widely, whether through traditional TV screens, smartphones, or any streaming platform.
The impact of lacking a roadmap affects not only investors or TV operators but also the fundamental rights of all Thai citizens.
Wiboon Leerattanakajorn, Acting CEO of the Television Business at BEC World (Channel 3), firmly warned about the broad consequences:
Without clarity, operators hesitate to invest in high-quality programming or broadcasting infrastructure. Ultimately, the biggest losers are the "viewers," who may face stagnation in the TV industry, undermining their right to access public media for information and entertainment.
Amid calls and concerns from the private sector, the regulatory body NBTC clarified that ongoing work is underway.
Koknok Kitbanjai, a specialist policy and planning academic at NBTC, gave an interview to reassure stakeholders about the future direction:
Though NBTC representatives confirm the master plan is under review and will be released soon, with regular stakeholder feedback, operators and society still await answers to: When exactly is "soon"? And will this roadmap truly address the technological transition (Digital Transformation)?"
The last three years under the current digital TV licenses represent a critical crossroads. The industry seeks not just license renewal or permission to cease broadcasting, but "clarity on transition" to maintain the status of a credible national media. Focus is on supporting content to reach people across all platforms unconditionally and protecting Thai citizens' rights to quality public media access.
The ball is now in NBTC's court. The upcoming master plan will decide whether Thailand's digital TV advances gracefully in the convergence era or declines into a mere historical footnote in the Thai media industry.