The United States has requested Thailand to fully open its telecommunications market to foreign operators, particularly those holding Type 3 licenses that provide large-scale network services to the public. The U.S. has also urged Thailand to adopt the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band (5,700–7,100 MHz) in line with international standards, while Thailand currently allows only the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 6 GHz band remains under trial and has not been allocated for permanent use.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has voiced opposition to these requests, noting that compliance would require amendments to existing laws and regulations, a process seen as highly complex and sensitive. The NBTC, together with the Ministry of Commerce’s trade negotiation team and the Ministry of Finance, is reviewing the matter and is expected to announce a final position by mid-September. Internally, the NBTC board will consider its own stance on 3 September 2025.
The issue also extends to foreign investment in the telecom sector. Thai law currently caps foreign ownership in telecommunications companies at 49 percent, including satellite providers. However, companies such as Starlink have expressed interest in entering Thailand as wholly foreign-owned entities, raising potential conflicts with NBTC’s existing rules.