On July 6, 2025, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Board convened a special meeting to ratify the results of the mobile frequency auction held on June 29, 2025. The auction, which covered multiple frequency bands vital for Thailand's telecommunications infrastructure, concluded with a total bid value surpassing 41 billion Baht, excluding VAT.
The board's vote was closely contested, ending with five members endorsing the auction results, one abstention from Associate Professor Dr. Supachai Supachalasai, and one dissenting vote from Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota. This decision marked a significant milestone in Thailand's ongoing efforts to enhance its mobile network capabilities and accommodate the growing demand for wireless communication services.
Professor Clinician Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruk, chairman of the NBTC, emphasized the commission's authority to impose regulations and penalties on licensees who fail to meet their obligations. During the three-hour meeting, which ran from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the board extensively discussed conditions to be appended to the licenses. These include potential fines and sanctions for operators unable to expand their networks in accordance with the stipulated requirements after receiving their licenses.
Regarding the auction specifics, the 850 MHz band, categorized as Group 1, saw no participation from bidders. This absence was notable given the band’s importance for broad coverage and penetration in mobile networks, particularly in rural areas.
Group 2, covering the 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands, witnessed competitive bidding. Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd. (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service (AIS), secured three lots within the 1965–1980 MHz paired with 2155–2170 MHz frequencies. Their winning bid totaled 14,850,000,010 Baht, excluding VAT. Meanwhile, True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd. (TUC), under the True Corporation umbrella, won seven lots in the 2300–2370 MHz range for 21,770,000,168 Baht, excluding VAT.
In Group 3, covering the 1500 MHz band, TUC also emerged victorious, acquiring four lots spanning 1452–1472 MHz for 4,653,960,168 Baht, excluding VAT. The total combined value of these auctions underscores the intense competition and high stakes involved in securing spectrum rights critical for delivering advanced mobile services such as 5G.
The auction itself began promptly at 9:30 a.m. on June 29 and concluded swiftly by 10:48 a.m. The brisk pace reflected the bidders' preparedness and the high demand for these frequency blocks, which are essential for network capacity expansion and improved service quality.
Following the approval, the NBTC outlined the next steps for the winning bidders. They are required to make their first installment payments between July 7 and July 29, 2025. Subsequently, the licenses for the awarded frequencies will officially commence on October 4, 2025, marking the start of a new chapter in Thailand's telecommunications landscape.
Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruk highlighted that the NBTC holds the legal mandate to enforce compliance and impose penalties if operators fail to meet their network expansion commitments. This authority is crucial for ensuring that the auctioned spectrum is utilized effectively to benefit consumers and support the nation's digital infrastructure goals.
The board members who supported the ratification included Professor Dr. Sarana himself, Air Marshal Dr. Thanaphan Raicharoen, who oversees broadcasting affairs, Mr. Torpong Selanont, responsible for promoting public rights and freedoms, Police General Dr. Nattthorn Phrosunthorn, a legal expert, and Associate Professor Dr. Sompop Purivikrayapong, specializing in telecommunications.
Despite the overall approval, the dissenting vote from Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota and the abstention from Associate Professor Dr. Supachai Supachalasai reflect ongoing concerns within the commission. These may relate to the auction process, spectrum allocation, or the conditions imposed on licensees, underscoring the complexity and high stakes involved in managing national telecommunications resources.
As Thailand moves forward with the implementation of these new licenses, the telecommunications sector and consumers alike will be watching closely. The successful expansion and upgrade of mobile networks hinge not only on the auction results but also on the operators' adherence to their commitments and the NBTC's enforcement capabilities.
This auction and its subsequent approval represent a critical step in Thailand's journey toward enhanced connectivity, supporting everything from everyday communications to the burgeoning demands of digital innovation and smart technologies.
