I have an up to date Smart TV and use an Android Box to watch TV when in Thailand - mainly UK stations. The box does have several Thai stations listed but they buffer a lot and are sometimes not available.  I would like the 'main' Thai TV stations to be available for when Thai friends come to stay.  Are they available online (legally) without being part of a package or would I have to use a satellite system/old fashioned aerial?

Most Thai broadcast TV stations are now digital and most modern smart TV's have a built in digital tuner. Just go to your "INPUT" key on your remote and click TV.  It should offer the option for the tuner to scan and list all available broadcast channels.  You will need some sort of an antenna.  Some apartments/condos may have one built in.  Otherwise, if you are in an urban area with strong signals, a very cheap indoor antenna usually works.  If in an outlying area then a very small outdoor antenna may be necessary.  You no longer need the large antennae's of the past.  It your TV does not have a built-in tuner, then most stores like LOTUS/Big-C can sell you a DTV box, under B500

Many cheap antennas on Lazada.

If you have 3BB they will give you a box free to access Thai TV channels.

I do - thank you very much. Are they free to air channels?

 

I have just located another AN thread on this, reading through it apparently I also need a reciever.  I don't need a 'receiver' to run my Android box, do you know what this 'receiver' is?

Type in the name of the channel on your browser and you'll be able to watch them live. The majority of them have their own websites now.

https://ch3plus.com/live

https://thaitv5hd.com/web/live.php

6 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

I do - thank you very much. Are they free to air channels?

 

I have just located another AN thread on this, reading through it apparently I also need a reciever.  I don't need a 'receiver' to run my Android box, do you know what this 'receiver' is?

The "Receiver" would be the digital tuner.  If your TV is a "Smart" TV, it probably has it built in.  Look for "channel scan".  If your TV does not have a built in tuner, then you need to buy a DTV box, available in most retail electronic departments and on Lazada as well as an antenna. Usually under B500 each.

On 6/16/2024 at 12:25 AM, BenCrew said:

Type in the name of the channel on your browser and you'll be able to watch them live. The majority of them have their own websites now.

https://ch3plus.com/live

https://thaitv5hd.com/web/live.php

I'd rather just be able to switch over to them so it sounds like the 3bb box is the best bet. Thanks anyway.

On 6/16/2024 at 6:11 AM, dddave said:

The "Receiver" would be the digital tuner.  If your TV is a "Smart" TV, it probably has it built in.  Look for "channel scan".  If your TV does not have a built in tuner, then you need to buy a DTV box, available in most retail electronic departments and on Lazada as well as an antenna. Usually under B500 each.

Pretty sure my TV will have a digital tuner built in - 2024 Hisense Smart TV.  If that's the case, will the 3BB box be enough?

For local broadcast digital TV, you don't need any box if your TV has a built in digital tuner as yours almost certainly does.  All you need is an antenna.  Check and see what antennas neighbors in your area use.

There are currently about 25 active digital broadcast channels, at least where I am in the Bangkok-Pattaya area.  I don't know about Korat.  There are 8 additional DLTV (DirectLearningTV) educational channels

On 6/17/2024 at 8:43 PM, dddave said:

For local broadcast digital TV, you don't need any box if your TV has a built in digital tuner as yours almost certainly does.

@dddave can you advise. 

So have just obtained a condo. Bangkok. 

Has 2 bed and of course Lounge. 

There is cables that run from lounge to bedrooms... Problematic if they work or not. 

Wondering if it's just best to buy indoor tv antenna for each room? 

The TV's will be new Samsung and as you mention being smart TV may have something built-in. 

Any suggestions appreciated. 

BTW: The condo is level 8 (top floor) 

Your new TV's will almost certainly have built-in tuners and will scan and remember any broadcast channels.  Juristic should be able to tell you if the in-house antennae system is functioning and if there is an additional charge for it.  Often the in-house systems also have a bunch of international cable channels available as well.

If no in-house system, it's really about location.  I use a small, portable antenna but if has to be near my balcony doors to get a good signal so I have to run a long cord along the floor.  

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i5200153470-s22097047662.html?

 

If the signal is not strong or has building interference then this type is more effective.  Can often be mounted inside or outside.  No as large as it may seem in the attached picture.

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i5107160524-s21543816109.html?

 

You can share signal from a single antenna to two TV's using a "splitter" but that means running cable between them.   You also have the option today of running your TV directly off your phone using Chromecast.

@dddave hells bells. Detailed excellent advice. Thanks for the detail and pic provided along with link. 

you can check the frequencies  pointing direction  signal strength etc  for your nearest transmitter here

 

https://dttservicearea.nbtc.go.th/webapp/