National Digital Broadcasting Platform Sparks Fierce Debate
A significant point of contention is emerging regarding the establishment of a national digital broadcasting streaming platform for Thailand. This critical discussion is central to the development of the third master plan for digital TV, set to guide the industry from 2026 to 2030, as current broadcaster licenses are slated to expire in 2029.
Industry players have been urging regulators to finalize a clear strategic direction for the sector beyond 2029, emphasizing the necessity of long-term policy certainty for crucial business planning and investment decisions. Concerns have been raised that without a timely resolution, broadcasters may explore legal avenues to protect their interests.
Policy Proposals Shape Post-2029 Landscape
The master plan is being developed alongside related policy proposals intended to define the future of broadcasting. These include draft regulations for television and audio streaming services delivered via internet networks. Additionally, technical standards for connected TV devices are undergoing revision to ensure seamless access to terrestrial digital television services, alongside other complementary measures.
Streaming Platform Debate Intensifies
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board members have been presented with a study examining strategies to enhance television service delivery across diverse channels. A core question revolves around whether Thailand should implement a dedicated digital platform specifically for terrestrial broadcasters.
Board members have reportedly questioned the necessity of such a platform, given that many broadcasters already operate their own independent streaming services. Discussions have also focused on the potential establishment of a management company for a central platform, its financial viability, and the extent of ongoing regulatory support it might require.
NBTC Office Presents Three Support Approaches
Earlier, the NBTC Office outlined three distinct strategies to support the broadcasting industry post-license expiry:
- Approach 1: Create an entirely new national platform, encompassing a dedicated application, platform management system, audience data infrastructure, content delivery network, and operational staff.
- Approach 2: Leverage existing TV platforms, whether operated by public or private broadcasters.
- Approach 3: Strengthen the regulatory framework by mandating current streaming platforms to provide audience measurement data, viewing behavior insights, ratings, and fair revenue-sharing mechanisms. Streaming services would fall under a unified regulatory structure with future rule introductions.
The NBTC Office has recommended pursuing the second and third approaches concurrently, rather than undertaking the development of a new platform from inception.
Divisions Emerge Among NBTC Board
Following deliberation, NBTC board members remain significantly divided on the proposal to establish a national streaming platform. Proponents argue that such a platform could bolster Thailand’s information and media sovereignty, ensuring domestic distribution channels remain under national control amidst a growing trend of audiences migrating to foreign-owned digital platforms.
Conversely, opponents question the economic justification for the investment. They contend that a state-backed platform might not align with evolving consumer viewing habits and warn that prolonged regulatory support could diminish broadcasters’ incentives for independent innovation, potentially weakening their long-term competitiveness within an increasingly market-driven streaming environment.
