Who is NBTC? Get to Know NBTC

Published: July 17, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek

Who is NBTC? Get to Know NBTC, Thailand's Frequency and Communications Regulator

           The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) serves as a crucial pillar in laying the foundation for Thailand's communication infrastructure, from the past to the present. It is a key mechanism driving Thailand towards a safe, equitable, and sustainable connected future. In today's digital age, where communication has become as vital a basic infrastructure as roads or electricity, having a systematic and fair regulatory body for communication affairs is essential. In Thailand, this role falls to the NBTC Board, or the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. This article will help you understand the important role of NBTC clearly and simply.

Who is NBTC?
            The NBTC is an independent state agency established under the Frequency Allocation Organization Act B.E. 2553 (2010). Its goal is to consolidate the regulatory power for all types of communication businesses—broadcasting, television, and telecommunications—which were previously under the control of multiple ministries. Its duties include regulating, overseeing, and managing frequency spectrum, telecommunications, and broadcasting and television services in Thailand. The aim is to foster free and fair competition, promote innovation development, and protect consumers. The establishment of NBTC was therefore a "restructuring" to ensure that frequency management is transparent, efficient, and serves the public interest to the highest degree.

Key Missions of NBTC
             The role of NBTC is extensive, ranging from allocating frequency spectrum, a limited national resource, to issuing licenses for all forms of communication businesses. Its main important duties are as follows:

• Allocate and regulate frequency spectrum efficiently, fairly, and without causing interference, such as 3G, 4G, 5G mobile frequencies, and radio-television signals.
• Issue licenses for telecommunication services and broadcasting businesses.
• Oversee the quality of services for telecommunications, radio, television, telephone, internet, and media content to comply with laws and social ethics.
• Protect consumers to ensure they receive fair, transparent, and quality services, such as handling complaints about unfair charges or services.
• Manage satellite resources and orbital slots at an international level, which impacts international communication and national security.
• Promote free and fair competition in the telecommunications market.
• Represent Thailand in international organizations like the ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
• Collaborate with international organizations such as the ITU to ensure Thailand keeps pace with global developments.

NBTC and the Thai People
             The role of NBTC might seem distant from people's daily lives, but in reality, NBTC directly influences many things we use every day. For instance, the allocation of frequencies for mobile phones, the internet, and Wi-Fi all goes through NBTC. The regulation of content on television and radio, with broadcast programs requiring licenses from NBTC. The auctioning of 3G, 4G, and 5G which ushered Thailand into the digital era. The investigation of unfair mobile or internet charges can also be lodged through NBTC. The effort to enable people in remote areas to access the internet. Additionally, NBTC is responsible for promoting the use of technology for education, safety, and the quality of life for people across the country. NBTC also represents Thailand at meetings with the ITU, a global communication organization.
On the Global Stage
            Internationally, NBTC represents Thailand in meetings and collaborations with international organizations like the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). It plays a role in negotiating international frequency matters, setting standards for communication technology, and preparing for new technologies such as 6G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The Future of NBTC
 In the future, NBTC holds a significant role in propelling Thailand towards a full-fledged Digital Economy, encompassing infrastructure, policies, and regulations. It must address new challenges such as digital privacy, cybersecurity, and the development of Smart Cities.

References:
International Telecommunication Union. (n.d.). About ITU. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int
Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. (n.d.). About NBTC Office. Retrieved from https://www.nbtc.go.th
Office of the Council of State. (2010). Frequency Allocation Organization and Regulation of Broadcasting, Television, and Telecommunications Businesses Act B.E. 2553. Retrieved from https://www.krisdika.go.th
Digital Government Development Agency. (n.d.). Information on Thailand's Digital Development. Retrieved from https://www.dga.or.th