The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has begun to deliberate a draft of Thailand’s third digital television terrestrial broadcasting master plan, which has been awaiting its consideration for more than two years.
One of the most contentious topics is whether the country should establish a national digital broadcasting streaming platform, said an NBTC source who asked not to be named.
The third master plan (2026-30) is meant to chart the future of Thailand’s digital TV broadcasting industry ahead of the expiry of digital broadcasters’ licences in 2029.
Broadcasters have been pressing the regulator to finalise a clear roadmap for the industry beyond 2029, arguing that long-term policy certainty is essential for business planning and investment.
Earlier the Digital Television Association warned that if the NBTC failed to reach a conclusion by June 30 this year, broadcasters could seek legal remedies through the courts.
The master plan is accompanied by related policy proposals that will shape the post-2029 broadcasting landscape. They include draft regulations governing television and audio streaming services delivered over internet networks.
As well, technical standards for connected TV devices are being revised to ensure they can access terrestrial television services on digital platforms, together with other related measures.
Streaming debate
NBTC board members have been presented with a study on ways to promote television services across multiple distribution channels, and whether Thailand should establish a dedicated digital platform for terrestrial broadcasters.
Board members have reportedly questioned whether such a platform remains necessary given that many broadcasters already operate their own streaming services.
They have also discussed whether a company to manage the central platform should be established, whether such a platform model would be financially sustainable, and whether it would require continued regulatory support.
Earlier the NBTC Office presented three possible approaches to support the broadcasting industry after the current licences expire.
First, establish an entirely new national platform, including a dedicated application, platform management system, audience data infrastructure, content delivery network and operational support personnel.
Second, utilise existing TV platforms, either those belonging to public or private-sector broadcasters.
Third, strengthen the regulatory framework by requiring current streaming platforms to provide audience measurement data, viewing behaviour, ratings and fair revenue-sharing arrangements. Streaming services would come under a unified regulatory framework with additional rules to be introduced later.
The NBTC Office recommended pursuing the second and third approaches simultaneously, rather than building a new platform from scratch.
After considering the recommendations, NBTC board members remained sharply divided over whether Thailand should establish a national streaming platform, according to the source.
Members who support the national platform argued that such a platform could strengthen Thailand’s information and media sovereignty, ensuring domestic distribution channels remain under national control as audiences increasingly migrate to foreign-owned digital platforms.
Opponents of the proposal questioned whether the investment would be economically justified, arguing that a state-backed platform may not align with rapidly changing consumer viewing habits.
They also warned that prolonged regulatory support could reduce broadcasters’ incentives to innovate independently and weaken their long-term competitiveness in an increasingly market-driven streaming ecosystem.
