Thailand 5G Core Market Report Size Share Growth Drivers Trends Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Thailand 5G Core Market Overview

• The Thailand 5G Core Market is valued at approximately USD 1.1 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for high-speed internet, the proliferation of IoT devices, and the government's push for digital transformation across various sectors. The expansion of 5G infrastructure has also been a significant factor, enabling faster data transmission and improved connectivity. Enterprise adoption is accelerating, with private 5G deployments in manufacturing delivering 15-20% efficiency gains and 30% operational expenditure savings, validating enterprise willingness to pay for guaranteed throughput.
• Bangkok, as the capital and largest city, dominates the market due to its dense population and concentration of businesses and technology firms. Other key regions include Chiang Mai and Pattaya, which are also witnessing rapid urbanization and technological adoption. The presence of major telecommunications companies in these areas further enhances their market dominance. True Corporation's Dynamic Spectrum Sharing deployment on the 2.6 GHz band in Bangkok's Thonglor district serves 14.2 million 5G users, demonstrating concentrated infrastructure investment in urban centers.
• Thailand's telecommunications regulatory framework, governed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), establishes the operational guidelines for 5G deployment and spectrum allocation. The framework includes licensing requirements for network operators and compliance standards for infrastructure development. Government projections indicate that 5G infrastructure could contribute USD 9.3 billion to national GDP by 2035, anchoring policy support for continued network expansion and digital transformation initiatives.

Thailand 5G Core Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into Core Network Equipment, Virtualized Network Functions, Network Management Software, and Others. Core Network Equipment is currently the leading subsegment, driven by the need for robust infrastructure to support 5G services. Virtualized Network Functions are gaining traction due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while Network Management Software is essential for optimizing network performance. The UPF (User Plane Function) and user-plane related functions segment represents a critical component of 5G core architecture, supporting the high-throughput requirements of enterprise and consumer applications.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Telecommunications, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Others. Telecommunications is the dominant sector, as it directly utilizes 5G technology for enhanced service delivery. The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting 5G for telemedicine and remote monitoring, while manufacturing and transportation are leveraging 5G for automation and logistics optimization. Enterprise adoption is projected to rise from approximately 23% of market value in 2024 to 29% by 2027, driven by network-slicing capabilities that deliver guaranteed latency for factories, hospitals, and autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) fleets.

Thailand 5G Core Market Competitive Landscape

The Thailand 5G Core Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Advanced Info Service (AIS), True Corporation, DTAC (Total Access Communication), Huawei Technologies (Thailand), Ericsson Thailand, Nokia Thailand, ZTE Corporation, Cisco Systems (Thailand), Samsung Electronics (Thailand), NEC Corporation (Thailand), Qualcomm Technologies, Intel Corporation (Thailand), Microsoft Thailand, Google Cloud Thailand, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Thailand contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space. AIS maintains market leadership by subscription share and is investing approximately THB 30 billion in 5G network infrastructure development to sustain competitive positioning.

Thailand 5G Core Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increased Demand for High-Speed Connectivity:The demand for high-speed connectivity in Thailand is surging, driven by a projected increase in mobile data traffic, which is expected to reach 25 exabytes in the future. This growth is fueled by the rising number of smartphone users, estimated at 95 million, and the increasing reliance on digital services. The Thai government’s push for digital transformation further accelerates this demand, as businesses and consumers seek faster, more reliable internet access to support their activities.
• Government Initiatives and Investments:The Thai government has committed approximately $2 billion to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G networks. This investment aims to facilitate the rollout of 5G technology across urban and rural areas, promoting economic growth. Additionally, the National Digital Economy and Society Development Plan outlines strategies to integrate 5G into various sectors, including healthcare and education, thereby fostering innovation and improving service delivery across the nation.
• Expansion of IoT Applications:The Internet of Things (IoT) market in Thailand is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 35 million connected devices in the future. This expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of smart technologies in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. The integration of 5G technology will enhance IoT capabilities, enabling real-time data processing and communication, which is crucial for the development of smart cities and efficient resource management.

Market Challenges

• High Infrastructure Costs:The deployment of 5G infrastructure in Thailand faces significant financial barriers, with estimated costs reaching $4 billion for comprehensive network coverage. These expenses include the installation of new base stations and upgrading existing infrastructure. Many telecom operators are struggling to justify these investments amid competitive pricing pressures and the need for a return on investment, which can hinder the pace of 5G rollout across the country.
• Regulatory Hurdles:Regulatory challenges pose a significant barrier to the growth of the 5G market in Thailand. The complex licensing process for telecom operators can delay network deployment, with some operators facing up to 15 months to secure necessary approvals. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding spectrum allocation can limit the availability of frequencies needed for 5G services, further complicating the landscape for operators looking to expand their offerings.

Thailand 5G Core Market Future Outlook

The future of the Thailand 5G core market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing digitalization across various sectors. As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks evolve, the adoption of 5G technology is expected to accelerate. Moreover, the integration of AI and machine learning into 5G networks will enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, paving the way for innovative applications that can transform industries and improve quality of life for citizens.

Market Opportunities

• Development of Smart Cities:The Thai government’s initiative to develop smart cities presents a significant opportunity for 5G technology. With an investment of $1.5 billion allocated for smart city projects, the integration of 5G will enable efficient urban management, improved public services, and enhanced connectivity for residents, driving economic growth and sustainability.
• Enhanced Mobile Broadband Services:The demand for enhanced mobile broadband services is on the rise, with mobile data consumption expected to reach 20 GB per user per month in the future. This trend creates opportunities for telecom operators to offer innovative 5G plans and services, catering to the needs of consumers and businesses seeking faster, more reliable internet access for various applications.