NBTC ready to introduce digital TV in Thailand

BANGKOK, November 7 (TNA) - The National Broadcasting and Television Commission (NBTC) has announced its readiness to introduce and to promote digital television in Thailand to serve the public and to boost national economic development. The NBTC will, therefore, stage an international academic seminar from November 18-21 to discuss telecommunications developments and to exchange views on digital television. The NBTC plans 48 digital TV channels in Thailand, comprising 12 channels for community services, 12 channels for public services, five channels for children and teenagers, five channels for news and educational information, 10 general channels and four channels for high-definition (HD) programs. According to the NBTC, educational contents will then form 25 per cent of all programs on general and HD channels and the NBTC believes the digital TV services will reach 80 per cent of people in major Thai towns, create new business opportunities, boost national economic development, resulting in programs which better suit target groups with more accurate ratings. The NBTC’s subcommittee on digital broadcasting will also meet on November 20 to decide whether Thailand's six existing free TV channels should be included in the 48 planned digital TV channels. (TNA)