Synopsis
Thailand has started to energetically embrace the internet in its many forms across the marketplace. Over the last eight years, admittedly starting from a very low base, the estimated number of internet users in Thailand has increased sixfold. ISPs have recovered from their earlier reputation for unreliable performance and a failure to invest in improved infrastructure and the government has taken the first steps to fix the regulatory regime. This presents increased opportunities for the development of the internet in Thailand. After a period of heavy dependence on dial-up, the country has finally been making a strong push into broadband services. There are also changes in the wireless broadband market as the WiMAX licensing process gains momentum and network rollouts are started. More work needs to be done on the regulatory front, however, and any slowdown on market reform will be a major setback to the development of internet in Thailand. This report looks at the Thai internet market and the rollout of broadband services, as well as providing some information on the major players involved.
The report also takes a brief look at the TV broadcasting industry in Thailand. This industry continues to wait for a proposed new regulator to be put in place. After much prevaricating, by 2010 the government was moving to establish the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. The new regulator was expected to be operational by late 2011. There is also information on developments in Thailand’s IPTV market.
