Thai TV Industry Poised for Growth

Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2013– Asia-Pacific’s premier multichannel TV industry association turned the spotlight on the “land of smiles” with CASBAA Thailand in View 2013, recently held on 30 May at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

“From what we have heard at the Forum, Thailand is poised to make a jump forward in the broadcasting industry in the not too distant future,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “With TV penetration standing at nearly 100 percent, cable and satellite TV penetration has reached nearly 64 percent and is poised for continued growth with a number of recent positive developments initiated by the government.”

Attracting over 200 delegates, speakers and media, attendees at Thailand in View 2013 heard from a host of influential guests from across the broadcasting industry and members of the government including H.E. Grp. Capt. Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Government of Thailand, Natee Sukonrat, Chairman, Broadcasting Committee; Vice Chairman, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Sompan Charumilinda, Executive Vice Chairman, True Visions, Robert Gilby, MD, The Walt Disney Company South East Asia, Supinya Klangnarong, Commissioner, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Niphon Naksompop, Chairman, Satellite Television Association Thailand, Adrian New, MD Asia-Pacific, Chelsea Football Club, Joe Welch, SVP, Government Affairs, Asia, News Corporation and many others.

Opening the event, H.E. Grp. Capt. Anudith Nakornthap said, “Thailand’s television industry has witnessed explosive growth and fundamental change with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Supported by recent changes in broadcast laws and adoption of coherent regulations, the Thailand media landscape is undergoing major changes as a new generation of competitors arises to serve the growing demand of the Thai consumers.”

The Forum program covered a range of relevant topics that have been making news in Thailand recently including digital terrestrial licensing, advertising, content, sports broadcasting rights, regulations and technology.

“It is an important time for the industry. Planning and coordination are needed at both the national and international levels with the digital landscape already beginning in Thailand resulting in more channels and giving new opportunities to new players,” added Natee Sukonrat. “Cable and satellite TV are still very important in the industry and, with their unique characteristics of reaching those in urban areas and providing superb premium content, future viewers will have more choices.”

In conjunction with the Forum, CASBAA also released an updated Thailand in View country report with the most up-to-date information on country’s exciting pay-TV market and containing important TV industry data and regulatory information. Download the Executive Summary at http://www.casbaa.com/publications/country-reports?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=110&category_id=3

Thailand in View 2013 was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor True Visions and by Sponsors Conax, Irdeto, Nielsen and Thaicom.