AMATEUR RADIO LICENSING IN THAILAND

Updated 6th August 2003

1         GENERAL EXPLANATION

 

1.1       THE LICENSING AUTHORITY

 

The responsible body for supervising amateur radio licensing and operations in Thailand is the Post and Telegraph Department (PTD) of the Ministry of Communications & Technology of the Royal Thai Government. Thailand is a sovereign country in Asia and has a unique and detailed licensing system enshrined in the Laws of the Royal Thai Government.

 

Thailand is a member of the International Telecommunications Union and seeks bilateral diplomatic agreements with individual countries who are prepared to make reciprocal arrangements for their citizens to operate amateur radio. Therefore Thailand does not participate in CEPT as a member, but does use the CEPT/HAREC standard as a means of comparing licence classes.

 

RAST can provide information regarding the detailed nature of these reciprocal agreements and to faciliate contact with the authorities.  

 

1.2      RADIO AMATEUR SOCIETY OF THAILAND

{Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King}

 

This is the national radio society of Thailand, the member society of the International Amateur Radio Union. RAST is entrusted by the authorites to screen applicants and issue a letter of support for foreign licence applications and to formally register the application in accordance with Government regulations.

 

1.2.1      Monthly Meetings

 

Meetings are held on the first Sunday of every month at 11:00 A.M. at the Sena Place, 17 Phaholyothin Soi 11, (Soi Senaruam), Bangkok, 10100, Telephone + 66 (0)2 271 4410 and 271 4424-8.

 

1.2.2      Licence Processing

 

Please note that RAST is an entirely voluntary organisation, with no paid staff. Therefore RAST cannot undertake to process individual licenses or permits for members beyond giving advice and providing supporting documentation. 

 

1.2.3      The Rast Club Station HS0AC

 

The RAST Club Station is HS0AC at the Asian Institute of Technology, about 20 minutes drive North of the Airport in Bangkok.The HS0AC Station Manager is Ray Gerrard HS0ZDZ. At present the station is not operational due to building construction work. 

 

 

1.3      THE AMATEUR RADIO LICENSING REGIME

 

For foreigners three forms of operating licenses exist:

 

  • Reciprocal,
  • Interim/Temporary
  • RAST club station HS0AC guest permit.

 

These are described in detail below.

 

The operator licence is then issued as either :

 

  • Intermediate (HF and VHF) HF bands are limited, and no WARC, VHF is 2 metres only, and receive only on 430 MHz

 

  • Novice ( 144-146 MHz) only

 

 In addition to the operator Licence, you will need an equipment Licence for each transceiver, and a station licence if you want to operate from home or your rented accommodation. These three licenses are described in more detail below.

 

 

1.4      RECIPROCAL LICENSES

 

Thailand has concluded Reciprocal Agreements with the following countries:

 

  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • UK
  • USA

 

1.4.1      Citizens of these countries

 

If you are a citizen of one of these countries, and you are planning to live and/or work in Thailand, or if your business takes you there regularly, you can apply for a reciprocal operating licence. You must be licensed in your home country. You may be able to obtain a Thai license and call-sign providing equivalent privileges, depending on the particular agreement. A reciprocal licensee is normally issued with a call sign in the series HS0Zxx and lasts for five years.

 

1.4.2      Please Join RAST

 

For general information on the licensing process you can contact RAST (see section 3) who can give guidance and latest information. If you decide to apply for a licence it is stongly recommended that you become a member of RAST in which case more detailed information can be given to help you, including a supporting letter. (Please see information elsewhere on the web-site on how to become a member).

 

1.4.3      General Procedure

 

The PTD does not deal with licence applications from overseas by post, personal visits have to be made to the Head Office in Bangkok.  Application forms can be obtained from their office, or from the RAST Inernanational Secretary. You will also need two passport-sized photographs, a copy of your home country amateur radio license, and your passport with photocopies of your Thai visa and the personal information page of your passport. It is important that your Visa period allows for at least three weeks processing time for the licence before your period of operation. If your are planning to import equipment and operate from your own location further permits are needed and it may take up to three months. It is recommended that you have at least a three-month visa in your passport. The operating licence fee is 200 Baht (approx 4 USD), with similar charges for the following licenses. 

 

1.4.4      Thai Proxy

 

If you have a Thai friend or amateur who is willing to visit the PTD for you to process your licence and permits,  you can obtain and complete a “proxy form” from the same office. If you decide to delegate your responsibility to another person in this way, RAST cannot accept any responsibility for the outcome, and will not investigate any problems that may arise.

 

1.4.5      RAST will check documents

 

If you decide to process the licence yourself and you are a RAST member we can check your documentation for you and give you advice and help but this will not normally extend to making visits to the PTD Office on your behalf. Normally, several visits to the PTD are necessary to secure your operating licence, and then your follow-on permits.

 

1.4.6      New Countries

 

The following countries are believed to be either preparing or are in the process of submitting diplomatic requests for a reciprocal licence with Thailand.

 

Belgium

Canada

Luxembourg

The Netherlands

 

1.5      INTERIM LICENSES

 

Several years ago, the PTD issued interim (temporary) licenses (HS0/home call) to foreigners from countries whose administrations  were negotiating Reciprocal Agreements with the PTD or were on special Government business. This arrangement has now been withdrawn by the PTD, who will not normally issue any new interim/temporary licenses to foreigners. However, you may hear some of these licensees still active. Exceptionnally special licenses may be issued of this format. These licenses are in the form of formal written docuements, similar to the Reciprocal Licenses.

 

1.3      RAST GUEST PERMIT

 

The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) has been granted a concession to permit visiting amateurs licensed by their home countries, on Government business, or as guests of RAST, to operate the RAST club station HS0AC for a limited period without the need to get advance permission from the PTD. You should contact Ray Gerrard, RAST Secretary International HS0ZDZ <Email<[email protected]> ( fax +66 (0)37 328 042,) or Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX, RAST's International Affairs Director Email < [email protected]> at +66 (0)2 240 3666 as soon as possible prior to your arrival in Bangkok. They will inform you about the arrangements.

 

 

1.4      BRINGING EQUIPMENT TO THAILAND

 

Important!! do not bring your own equipment to Thailand without first obtaining an import permit. This applies to all transceivers, even handhelds. It is illegal to possess such equipment in Thailand without having proper documentation from Thai authorities. Even if you have a valid amateur radio operating licence in Thailand, you need an import permit for transceivers, PTD inspection, registration, and equipment licence before it can be used. It can only be used at a location which has a station licence

 

2         PROCEDURES

 

2.1      THE OPERATING LICENCE

 

This is first and easiest licence to obtain and the one that grants the call sign. Usually this is in the form HS0Zxx for a reciprocal licence. A few exceptional cases exist of the HS0/home call series, but are not normally issed at this time. This licence has to be obtained before applying for an import permit, equipment licence, and station licence

 

This operator licence can only be used at a location with a station licence, using transceivers with an equipment licence assigned to that station. However it therefore allows a visitor to operate from another licensed amateurs station. The practice in Thailand is to use the operators licence call sign of the operator no matter which station he or she is operating from. An amateur with an operator license can also operate from a licensed Club Station  

 

 

2.2      THE RECIPROCAL LICENCE

 

The five big steps:

 

2.2.1      Decide if you can do it!

 

Decide if you are eligible for a reciprocal licence by reading this document carefully. If you are unsure contact the RAST International Secretary.

 

2.2.2       Obtain application forms

 

Obtain the application forms In person from the  Post Telegraph Department (PTD), Amateur Radio Licensing Department, or by Email, or Snail Mail from the RAST International Secretary.

 

2.2.3      Complete (fill in) the application forms

 

Normally the following forms are supplied by RAST  as a set:

 

·         a list of documents required

·         An application form in English Language

·         An application form in Thai Language

·         A proxy form to appoint a Thai citizen to process the licence on your behalf.

 

2.2.4      Take your forms to the RAST Office

 

2.2.4.1         Register your application

 

 Take the forms to the RAST office and formally register your application . This is a Government requirement, and you will be given a copy of the registration form to submit with your application. This service is given free of charge by RAST. It is also possible to process an application registration at a table in the canteen at the PTD office, this service is also provided free of charge by the Volunteer Radio Association (VRA).

 

2.2.4.2         Obtain your Supporting Letter

 

You will also need a supporting letter from RAST. If you are already a RAST member this speeds the process up since you will probably be already known to members. Otherwise there could be a short delay while your are “screened”. This is nothing sinister, but we do have to verify your credentials and that you are a responsible person. It also helps if you can advise the RAST International Secretary of your intention to submit documents and apply for a supporting letter, so that preparations can be made before your visit to the office. 

 

2.2.4.3         Please Join RAST!

 

If you would like to join RAST and this is highly recommended so that you can keep abreast of licensing requirments etc. foreigners normally take out a life membership which is 2,100 baht (about US$48), or if it is a short-term visit the dues are 300 baht for annual membership. Please check elsewhere on the web-site or with the International Secretary for details of how to join RAST.

 

2.2.4.4         Bring your prepared documents

 

The following documents are needed for your Reciprocal Operating Licence application:

 

  • Photocopy of your passport information page, also showing your visa and arrival date stamp.

 

  • Visa. (Important - You are applying for a five year licence therefore it is expected that you will be working, living, or regularly visiting Thailand over a reasonable period. For your initial visit on which you apply for a licence you should have at least a 90 day visa obtained in advance outside Thailand. A 30 day, visa on arrival is not regarded as acceptable as a basis for obtaining this licence).  

 

  • Photocopy of your home operator licence.

 

·         passport photos 1" x 1" not wearing dark glasses or a hat.

 

  • RAST membership number or bring application form completed

 

  • letter of support from RAST (can be obtained on arrival, free of charge if you are a member of RAST)

 

  • A completed application registration form

 

  • Certificate of reason to be in Thailand

 

v       If resident in Thailand on grounds of marriage, please bring a copy of your marriage registration certificate, and a copy of a name change certificate if this applies.

 

v       If you are applying on grounds of working in Thailand you should provide a copy of your work permit and/or a letter from your office or company certifying that you are required to work in Thailand on a regular basis.

 

v       If you are retiring or retired in Thailand you should be prepared to show immigration documents or other evidence of this.

 

v       If you will be regularly visiting or staying in Thailand for any other reason, you will need to provide substantive evidence in the form of a letter of certification from a professional person or organisation 

 

v       RAST ADVICE: You should provide if possible a simple single document certifying your status in Thailand.

 

  • 200 Baht for licence.

 

2.2.5    Take your documents to PTD

 

Take all of your documents in person to the Amateur Radio Licensing Section of the Post Telegraph Department, and submit them. If your application is in order they will normally ask you to collect the license from their office within a few days.

 

 

2.3      THE EQUIPMENT LICENCE

 

 

The next stage would be to request an equipment importation permit or to purchase a registered transceiver in Thailand from another amateur, or to purchase VHF equpment from a shop in Thailand

 

Then a licence to use the equipment is required. This requires submission of the transceiver for testing and inspection by the PTD staff, accompanied by customs clearance documentation, if it is imported.

 

It helps if you are importing a transceiver which has already been approved by PTD, and RAST keeps an approved rig list on this web site. A wide range of VHF equipment is approved, a list would be too unweildy to maintain. However bare in mind that the legal power output on 2 metres is 10 watts. The legal power output for HF is 200 watts. VHF equipment is widely stocked in Bangkok amteur radio shops and prices are reasonable. The shopkeeper will usually process the equipment Licence for you as part of the purchase as long as you have your operator licence

 

Even if the rig is on the approved list, it has to be submitted along with the manufacturers specification, and appropriate customs processing documentation, and the importation documentation. The rig is then checked agains specficiation. If approved a registration label is affixed to the rig.

 

An import licence can be requested from the PTD, after your operating licence has been issued and when you have identified the transceiver which you desire to import.

 

This requires an application form to be filled in, and submitted with details of the proposed transceiver which is to be imported. i.e. Detailed specification in the English language, diagrams, operating and servicing handbook if possible. The rig can then be imported, and processed through the Customs Department then taken to PTD where it will be inspected and tested. A registration label  will be stuck on the rig. a "licence to use” (equipment licence) will be issued, if it complies with the specification submitted earlier. Please note, that if it is proposed to import a transceiver it will facilitate the process if the frequency coverage complies with frequency bands allocated in Thailand. Please see the frequency band schedule shown on this web-site.

 

 

2.4      THE STATION LICENCE

 

 

The final steps if you want to operate from your home or temporary accommodations are:

 

  • obtain an application form from PTD

 

  • take a copy of your operator licence(card) + equipment licence to use the registered transceiver.

 

  • Obtain a written permission from the owner of the accommodation that amateur radio installation and operation including antennas  is permitted on the premises by yourself. (If possible in Thai and English Language)

 

  • Copy of the identity card (ID)of the owner of the accommodation

 

  • Copy of the house registration certificate of the owner of the house

 

  • Address of home station

 

  • A detailed map showing the location of the house/apartment within the locality.

 

 

2.5      GUEST OPERATION OF  HS0AC 

 

2.5.1    The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand(RAST) holds a concession from the Post Telegraph Department to allow suitably qualified foreign guests to operate the HS0AC RAST Club Station.

 

2.5.2    The purpose of the concession to RAST is to provide an opportunity for short term visitors (Guests of RAST or amateurs on Royal Thai Government business) to operate the club station on an occasional basis to share the experience of amateur radio operation from a DX location.

 

2.5.3    Most of the equipment at the station has been donated by foreign amateurs, since HF equipment is not readily available in Thailand. The price of equipment that is available is relatively high and beyond the financial reach of many Thai amateurs. The running and repair costs are a significant burden for RAST. Therefore you are asked to take good care of the equipment and furniture.

 

2.5.4    Guest operators must use the call-sign HS0AC, but may mention "operated by own call-sign" or use "HS0/own call-sign. Example - use HS0AC or HS0/G3NOM. QSLs for HS0AC can be received or sent via the Thailand QSL bureau or via the QSL Manager GM4FDM CBA since 2002. Please don't mention any other QSL arrangements or it may cause confusion.

 

2.5.5    A computer log is preferred. If a paper log is used, the guest operator must arrange to get this entered into a computer text file (ASCII) within a reasonable time. An appropriate contribution to QSL costs would be appreciated.

 

2.5.6    Guests are requested to communicate on the air mainly in English or Thai Language, particularly when giving call-signs. If another language is used, please ensure that you begin and end each transmission with the HS0AC call sign in English Language. This is to facilitate Post Telegraph Department and RAST monitoring of operations.

 

2.5.7    The station is not normally open or staffed, for casual unannounced visits, arrangements for access have to be made through the station manager in advance. Access is subject to the availability of the Station Manager, and his assistants, who sometimes have other commitments, such as employment, family, and domestic affairs. Every attempt will be made to meet your convenience.

 

2.5.8    Foreign Guest operators must not operate from HS0AC without a written permit from the Station Manager.

 

2.5.9    If you require further information or clarification please contact the Station Manager.

 

Ray Gerrard

HS0ZDZ

Station Manager HS0AC

 

3         ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

 

3.1      RAST PRESIDENT AND OFFICE

 

The President of RAST is Khun Mayuree Chotikul, HS1YL, Telephone +66 (0)2 618 4435-7 Fax - Extension 13. (during Thailand office hours GMT +7 hours)

 

RAST Office

23/12 Soi Chalernpon 2

Padiphat Road 6

Samsennai

Paiyathai

Bangkok 10400

 

Office Hours – Monday to Friday

 

0900 – 1600, Please confirm by telephone in advance.

 

Address for Correspondence

 

RAST

PO Box 2008

Bangkok

10501

Thailand

 

 

3.2      RAST INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY

 

Ray Gerrard HS0ZDZ

RAST Secretary (International)

PO Box 69

Bangkok Airport Post Office

Bangkok, 10112, Thailand

 

Email: [email protected]

Tel +66 (0)37 328 041

Fax +66 (0)37 328 042

 

3.3      POST TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT

 

Amateur Radio Licensing Department

Posts and Telegraph Department

Soi Sailom

Phaholyothin Road

Bangkok

 

Telephone Number 02 278 0151 (General Inquiries)

 

The licensing Section is in the 2 storey building just past the canteen and is on the second floor.

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Issued by RAST International Secretary 6 th August 2003.

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