Public Consultation Summary: Proposed Changes to Radio Device Safety Regulations in Thailand
The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand has released consultation documents regarding proposed updates to its health safety standards and oversight measures for radio communication equipment. These updates aim to align national standards with recent international guidelines, specifically those issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in 2020.
Proposed Regulatory Changes
- Safety Standards (NBTC MT 5001 – 256X): Updating the frequency range from 9 kHz – 300 GHz to 8.3 kHz – 300 GHz and incorporating revised exposure limits and measurement methods based on ICNIRP 2020 guidelines.
- Equipment Classification: Equipment is categorized and maintained into three types based on proximity to the body and usage:
- Type 1: Portable/handheld devices used close to the head or within 20 cm of the body.
- Type 2: Mobile devices used at a distance of 20 cm or more from the body.
- Type 3: Fixed stations and base stations with wide-area coverage.
- Oversight Measures: Revised requirements for equipment assessment, compliance reporting, and mandatory labeling to inform consumers about the device's safety standard compliance.
Impact on Stakeholders
- Manufacturers and Service Companies: Must ensure their products meet the updated exposure limits and technical parameters. They are responsible for submitting assessment reports from accredited laboratories and maintaining compliance documentation for at least one year after sales cease.
- Operational Requirements: Manufacturers and operators are required to explicitly declare compliance in user manuals, product packaging, or through electronic displays.
- Compliance Exceptions: Certain radio devices, such as those used for national security, specific two-way radios used by emergency services, and devices with low power (e.i.r.p. ≤ 100 mW), are exempt from specific assessment procedures.
Feedback and Submission Deadline
The NBTC invites industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and the public to provide feedback on these proposed changes. Stakeholders may participate in the public hearing or submit written comments to the Bureau of Telecommunications Technology and Standards. The deadline for providing feedback is September 14, 2026.
Comments can be submitted via email to: phannipong.t@nbtc.go.th.
