Bangkok: Eight media organizations have submitted a comprehensive plan to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) regarding the future of digital television broadcasting in Thailand as the expiration of their current licenses looms in 2029.
According to Thai News Agency, the media organizations, led by Mr. Diao Woratantrakul, Secretary of the Digital Television Association, delivered a letter to the NBTC's Chairman and all commissioners during an NBTC board meeting. The letter was received by Police Colonel Prawet Moolpramuk, the Secretary to the NBTC Chairman. The organizations emphasized the urgent need for the NBTC to fulfill its legal obligation by developing a master plan for television broadcasting post-2029. They have consistently provided information, facts, and policy proposals to the NBTC and have urged the inclusion of a master plan on the board's agenda, but have seen no definitive action or guidance. This lack of direction has hindered broadcasters, particularly digital TV stations on the stock exchange, from executing long-term business strategies. With less than three years remaining before license expiration, the industry is at a pivotal moment, necessitating planning that ideally should have begun five years ago.
The proposals submitted to the NBTC stress the need to expedite the preparation and announcement of a "Master Plan and Roadmap for Television Broadcasting after 2029." Key areas of focus include licensing models, service structures across platforms, competition criteria, and safeguarding citizens' rights to free-to-air TV. The organizations have urged the NBTC to set a clear timeline, recommending completion by June 30, 2026, to ensure adequate preparation across all sectors. Ignoring this timeline could have adverse effects on the digital television industry and its stakeholders, potentially leading to legal action from the association and operators.
The Secretary to the NBTC Chairman, upon receiving the document, assured that the board meeting would acknowledge the submission and include it in the agenda for discussion.