Telecom industry in Thailand braces for lukewarm numbers

Revenue from telecom and pay-TV services forecast to remain flat.

For the period 2024-2029, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for Thailand's telecom and pay-TV services revenue is estimated to be at around 0.1%.

The flat projection is due to the combination of revenue decreases in mobile voice, messaging, and fixed voice and steady growth in segments like fixed broadband, mobile data, and pay TV.

On a yearly basis, the telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Thailand is averaging approximately $10b, according to figures published by GlobalData.

Telecom Analyst Sarwat Zeeshan noted: "Whist 4G service accounted for a majority share of the total mobile subscriptions in Thailand in 2024, 5G service will see massive increase in its adoption in the coming years and become the leading mobile technology generation, by subscriber base in 2029.

"This growth in 5G adoption will be driven by growing demand for higher-speed wireless services, ongoing 5G network expansion efforts by the government and operators across the country, and widespread availability and affordability of 5G smartphones."

GlobalData's estimates include projected declines in mobile voice service and fixed voice service revenues, as well as expected increases in mobile data service and fixed broadband service revenues.

"Tru Corp is expected to remain the market leader by subscription share through the forecast period, given its strong focus on mobile network expansion and modernisation efforts," added Zeeshan.

"AIS's leadership in the fixed broadband segment will be driven by its extensive fibre network coverage and growing FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) subscriber base."