Vacant FM frequencies in Betong, Thailand, but based on Thailand FM frequency allocation standard (250kHz per channel)

In conjunction with Betong International Airport which will be opened on June 2020 and boost the economy of the bordering region, I will list down the vacant FM frequencies of Betong, Thailand in order to encourage more radio stations to be launched there. Besides that, a basic frequency study (RF analysis) will be made too.

Note: As Thailand FM frequencies separation is 250kHz per channel, so I will list down the vacant frequencies by following Thailand FM frequencies standards.


- 87.5MHz
- 88.0MHz
- 89.25MHz
- 91.25MHz
- 93.75MHz
- 94.0MHz
- 95.75MHz
- 100.25MHz
- 101.5MHz 
- 101.75MHz
- 102.0MHz
- 102.75MHz
- 104.0MHz
- 104.75MHz
- 105.25MHz
- 105.5MHz
- 106.25MHz
- 107.75MHz

Based on frequency separation agreement above between MCMC and NBTC, the separations above are based on higher transmission power.

1. FM 87.5MHz

87.5MHz: Betong
87.8MHz: Gunung Jerai
<300kHz, OK> 

2. FM 88.0MHz

87.8MHz: Gunung Jerai
88.0MHz: Betong
<200kHz, OK>

88.0MHz: Betong
88.1MHz: Bukit Panau
<100kHz, NOT OK>

88.0MHz: Betong
88.2MHz: Gunung Jerai
<200kHz, OK> 

3. FM 89.25MHz


89.0MHz: Gunung Jerai
89.25MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

89.25MHz: Betong
89.3MHz: Bukit Larut
<50kHz, OK>

89.0MHz: Yala
89.25MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK> 

89.2MHz: Bukit Tangki Air
89.25MHz: Betong
<50kHz, OK>

4. FM 91.25MHz

91.0MHz: Gunung Jerai
91.25MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

91.25MHz: Betong
91.3MHz: Bukit Larut
<50kHz, OK>

5. FM 93.75MHz

93.6MHz: Bukit Larut
93.75MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

93.75MHz: Betong
93.9MHz: Gunung Jerai (North Penang Island only)
<150kHz, OK>

93.75MHz: Betong
93.8MHz: Bukit Panau
<50kHz, NOT OK> 

6. FM 94.0MHz 


93.9MHz: Gunung Jerai (North Penang Island only)
94.0MHz: Betong
<100kHz, OK>

94.0MHz: Betong
94.25MHz: Yala
<250kHz, OK>

93.8MHz: Bukit Panau
94.0MHz: Betong
<200kHz, OK> 

7. FM 95.75MHz

95.7MHz: Bukit Penara
95.75MHz: Betong
<50kHz, OK>

95.5MHz: Bukit Bakar
95.75MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK> 

95.5MHz: Yala (Tambon Sateng)
95.75MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

8. FM 100.25MHz

100.0MHz: Gerik
100.25MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

100.0MHz: Yala (Tambon Bannang Sareng)
100.25MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK> 

100.1MHz: Gunung Raya
100.25MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

100.25MHz: Betong
100.5MHz: Gunung Jerai
<250kHz, OK>

9. FM 101.5MHz

101.3MHz: Gunung Jerai
101.5MHz: Betong
<200kHz, OK>

101.5MHz: Betong
101.5MHz: Golok (low power radio)
<0kHz, OK>

101.5MHz: Betong
101.7MHz: Bukit Genting
<200kHz, OK>

10. FM 101.75MHz


101.5MHz: Golok (low power radio)
101.75MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

101.75MHz: Betong
101.9MHz: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu)
<150kHz, OK>

101.7MHz: Bukit Genting
101.75MHz: Betong
<50kHz, OK>


11. FM 102.0MHz

101.9MHz: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu)
102.0MHz: Betong
<100kHz, OK>

101.9MHz: Gunung Raya
102.0MHz: Betong
<100kHz, OK>

102.0MHz: Betong
102.1MHz: Bukit Larut
<100kHz, OK> 

12. FM 102.75MHz


102.5MHz: Yala
102.75MHz: Betong
<250kHz, OK>

102.75MHz: Betong
102.9MHz: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu)
<150kHz, OK>

102.7MHz: Bukit Dedap
102.75MHz: Betong
<50kHz, OK>


13. FM 104.0MHz


103.6MHz: Gunung Jerai
104.0MHz: Betong
<400kHz, OK>

104.0MHz: Narathiwat
104.0MHz: Betong
<0kHz, OK>

104.0MHz: Betong
104.4MHz: Gunung Jerai
<400kHz, OK> 

104.0MHz: Betong
104.1MHz: Bukit Larut
<100kHz, OK>

104.0MHz: Betong
104.25MHz: Bannang Sata (low power)
<250kHz, OK>

14. FM 104.75MHz


104.7MHz: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu)
104.75MHz: Betong
<50kHz, OK>

104.75MHz: Betong
104.9MHz: Bukit Larut
<150kHz, OK>

104.75MHz: Betong
104.8MHz: Gunung Raya
<50kHz, OK> 

15. FM 105.25MHz

105.1MHz: Peringat
105.25MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

105.25MHz: Betong
105.3MHz: Bukit Larut
<50kHz, OK>

105.1MHz: Bukit Dedap
105.25MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

16. FM 105.5MHz

105.3MHz: Bukit Larut
105.5MHz: Betong
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Betong
105.7MHz: Wakaf Che Yeh (RTM Kota Bharu)
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Betong
105.5MHz: Narathiwat/Sungai Golok (low power)
<0kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Betong
105.7MHz: Gunung Raya
<200kHz, OK>

17. FM 106.25MHz

106.25MHz: Betong
106.5MHz: Gunung Jerai
<250kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: Telipot
106.25MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: Bukit Larut
106.25MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

18. FM 107.75MHz

107.6MHz: Bukit Penara
107.75MHz: Betong
<150kHz, OK>

107.75MHz: Betong
107.75MHz: Narathiwat (low power)
<0kHz, OK> 

107.75MHz: Betong
107.9MHz: Bukit Larut
<150kHz, OK>

Among 18 vacant frequencies, some of them do not comply with minimum frequency separation, but they are likely suitable for low power transmission (300W or below), but I will list these 18 FM frequencies by dividing two categories, such as low power and medium to high power.

==Vacant frequencies for low power transmission in Betong, Thailand (<300W)==

* 88.0MHz
* 89.25MHz
* 93.75MHz
* 94.0MHz  
* 102.75MHz
* 104.75MHz
* 105.25MHz

==Vacant frequencies for medium to high power transmission in Betong, Thailand==

* 87.5MHz
* 91.25MHz
* 95.75MHz (1kW)
* 100.25MHz
* 101.5MHz
* 101.75MHz
* 102.0MHz
* 104.0MHz
* 105.5MHz
* 106.25MHz
* 107.75MHz

Apart from Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz and Love FM 99.5MHz, in conjunction with Betong International Airport, I do hope there will have more Betong local radio stations (like mini Hat Yai) and the frequencies listed will help the Thailand radio operators to broadcast in Betong.

Betong International Aiport will be opened on June 2020. Betong, Thailand can deserve more radio stations actually in conjunction with its airport.

Betong is the southernmost location in Thailand, located at Southern Yala province, next to Malaysia border (Perak state). The nearest town from Betong, Thailand are Pengkalan Hulu, Perak (15km) and Baling, Kedah (26km). 

Among all deeper Southern Thailand provinces (excluding Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani and Ranong), Satun, Songkhla (Hat Yai and Danok), Sungai Golok and Betong have much of tourism values.

Although Betong is a district in Yala province, but it has more tourist economy value than Yala's capital town in Amphoe Mueang Yala, the distance from Yala capital to Betong is 130km.

In Yala, the nearest airport was Hat Yai, but the distance is 133km. From Betong to Hat Yai, it is 260km. 

Betong will have brand new airport and Betong International Airport is expected to be opened on June 2020. According to Bangkok Post, three airlines companies such as Nok Air, Bangkok Airways and Malaysia's Firefly are interested in flying to Betong, Thailand.

Congratulations to Thailand for having Betong International Airport. In my opinion, this will benefit economy activities in Betong, Thailand. In addition, Betong International Airport also can benefit the economy of bordering areas in Malaysia such as Pengkalan Hulu, Perak and Baling, Kedah. 

Before launching of Betong International Airport, Betong, Pengkalan Hulu, Baling and Gerik residents who travel Hat Yai must go through dangerous and curvy road in Yala. According to my friend who was used to travel from Betong to Hat Yai/Yala, the road is more dangerous than Cameron Highlands road.

From Betong to Hat Yai, it is 260km distance if go via Yala road, but it is 215km distance if enter Malaysia border via Baling and Alor Setar. So, Betong people travels Hat Yai by passing through Baling and Alor Setar is considered international departures, so passport is required, meanwhile if go by passing through Yala, Raman and Bannang Sata is domestic, but the road is curvy and dangerous.

With Betong International Airport, if Malaysia's Gerik, Pengkalan Hulu and Baling people who want to travel Bangkok, Hat Yai, other Thailand territories or other countries, they don't need to go to Penang International Airport or KLIA and this will save traveling time.

In conjunction with Betong International Airport, actually Betong can deserve more of its radio stations. Currently, by excluding Yala radio stations where are not receivable in Betong district, Betong has only two local radio stations such as Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz and low power Love FM 99.5MHz, but the transmission of Love FM 99.5MHz is strictly for Betong town.

Besides that, six Malaysia radio stations from RTM are available in Betong, Thailand such as:

1. Radio Klasik FM 88.7MHz
2. Nasional FM 89.7MHz
3. Kedah FM 90.5MHz
4. Traxx FM 91.7MHz
5. Ai FM 92.5MHz
6. Minnal FM 93.3MHz

All are transmitted from Bukit Palong, Baling, Kedah, Malaysia. In addition, there are only few Malaysia radio stations from Gunung Jerai receivable in Betong such as 988 FM 96.1MHz, Sinar FM 97.1MHz, Zayan FM 98.1MHz and Era FM 103.6MHz.

Betong has more Chinese people there, there are only two Chinese full fledged radio stations such as Ai FM 92.5MHz and 988 FM 96.1MHz. 

Apart from Radio Thailand and Love FM, actually MCOT (Mass Communication of Thailand aka Or Sor Mor Thor) can launch its second district radio stations in Betong to provide alternatives to the listeners in the district, also Thais in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, Malaysia.

MCOT has district radio station in Chumphon, Thailand. While MCOT has province radio station in Chumphon on FM 90.75MHz, but it has another radio station in Lang Suan of the province, FM 105.25MHz.

In Yala, MCOT has its provincial radio station, known as MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz, transmitted from Khao Pokyo site to cover Yala, Pattani and part of Narathiwat, but MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz does not cover Betong. In addition, the station never serves Betong listeners. MCOT can launch MCOT Betong to serve the district, instead of launching repeater in Betong to relay MCOT Yala.

Other than MCOT, actually Royal Thai Army can also have its Betong radio station after FM 100.0MHz and AM 1080kHz radio stations from Yala, but different content. Moreover, NBTC can encourage Betong community broadcasters to set up community radio stations.

On previous article, I mentioned about FM 89.0MHz co-channel interference between Yala (Thailand Parliament Radio) and Gunung Jerai (Ikim FM) in Betong, Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu. The Bangkok based Thailand Parliament radio station (Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Ratthasapha {สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงรัฐสภา}) has frequency in Yala province on FM 89.0MHz, transmitted from Khao Pokyo (Bannang Sata-Rueso border). Unlike Radio Thailand which is public broadcaster, Thailand Parliament Radio does not cover all Thailand territories, it only covers important territories. For FM 89.0MHz, Thailand Parliament Radio serves Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani with 1 transmitter site, but it is not well receivable in Betong due to terrain. Actually Betong is not Thailand Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz service area. If I talk about proposal to add repeater in Betong to relay FM 89.0MHz feeds, I don't think the station will do that because no commercial value. Moreover, Betong people don't really listen to Thailand parliament assembly debate and meetings on radio. So, it is not worth to launch
Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Ratthasapha {สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงรัฐสภา} repeater in Betong, however Thai Parliament Channel is already available in Betong via digital terrestrial television.

During analogue television transmission, only Royal Thai Army Channel 5 (ททบ.5) had repeater in Betong, Thailand on CH52 UHF 719.25MHz. After Thailand switches its terrestrial television transmission from analogue to digital, Betong has 28 free-to-air televison channels in DVB-T2 transmission.

For FM radio stations, by following Thailand FM frequency standards where 250kHz per channels, Betong has numbers of vacant frequencies such as:

- 87.5MHz
- 88.0MHz
- 89.25MHz
- 91.25MHz
- 93.75MHz
- 94.0MHz
- 95.75MHz
- 100.25MHz
- 101.5MHz 
- 101.75MHz
- 102.0MHz
- 102.75MHz
- 104.0MHz
- 104.75MHz
- 105.25MHz
- 105.5MHz
- 106.25MHz
- 107.75MHz

I will do basic frequency analysis and studies on these vacant frequencies above in next article.

By having more radio stations in Betong, Thailand, this does not only provide another choice for listeners in Betong, Baling, Pengkalan Hulu and Gerik, but it can attract tourists and listeners.

Betong Airport photos are courtesy of ที่นี่ ท่าอากาศยานเบตง Betong Airport and Dannok Society Facebook page.

Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong has co-channel interference with Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz in Kedah, Malaysia

 

When you tune to RTM Kedah FM in Kedah, Penang and North Perak, it is FM 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai which is main transmitter for the station, meanwhile FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong is secondary frequency for the station to cover Baling and Pengkalan Hulu, also can be tuned in Betong, Thailand.

In most of Kedah areas except Baling and Sungai Petani, when I tune to Kedah FM on 90.5MHz, I can hear co-channel interference between Kedah FM and Radio Thailand Songkhla on same frequency, especially Alor Setar and Kuala Kedah.

In Penang, RTM Kedah FM 90.5MHz is having co-channel interference from Hot FM 90.5MHz Bukit Larut, but both stations claim that Penang is not their broadcast coverage actually. So, the co-channel interference of FM 90.5MHz is common.

According to the video, Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong is having serious co-channel interference from Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz in Alor Setar and Kuala Kedah.

Kedah FM Bukit Palong FM 90.5MHz TX power is 1kW, meanwhile Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz is 10kW.

Some of people suggest to change Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong frequency to avoid interference from Thailand. In my opinion, there is not necessary to change frequency due to the reasons following below.

1. Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong targets only Baling, and Pengkalan Hulu. It could be listened in Betong, Thailand too. Alor Setar and Kuala Kedah are not its broadcast areas, however the listeners already tune to Kedah FM loudly and clearly on 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai there.

2. Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 90.5MHz targets only Songkhla district, Thailand. It could be listened in North Kedah and Perlis via overspill transmission. Alor Setar is not its target location.

Apart from Alor Setar, I was used to receive FM 90.5MHz at Penang Hill top peak, it had three channels were interfering each other.

In terms of history, the use of frequency FM 90.5MHz by Radio Thailand Songkhla was much earlier than Kedah FM 90.5MHz in Bukit Palong, later Hot FM used 90.5MHz in Bukit Larut for Taiping, Perak.

==History of FM 90.5MHz in northern region==
* Radio Thailand Songkhla: 1981 (originally it was FM 97.0MHz in 1968)
* RTM Kedah FM Bukit Palong: 1995
* Hot FM Bukit Larut: 2011
 

 

List of Malaysia areas (Johor) where can receive Singapore digital TV channels with UHF antenna

Singapore digital terrestrial television has three multiplexes (MUX).

* MUX 1: CH29 UHF 538MHz (Channel 5 HD and Suria HD)
* MUX 2: CH31 UHF 554MHz (Channel 8 HD and Vasantham HD) 
* MUX 3: CH33 UHF 570MHz (Channel U and Channel News Asia CNA)

Here are the coverage of Johor areas in Malaysia where can receive Singapore digital TV channels:

- Johor Bahru
- Kulai
- Penggerang
- Kota Tinggi
- Skudai
- Kangkar Pulai
- Pontian
- Tanjung Piai
- Gelang Patah
- Layang-Layang
- Kukup
- Masai
- Ulu Tiram
- Pekan Nenas
- Pasir Gudang
- Senai
- Gugusan Taib Andak
- Bandar Penawar
- Bandar Tenggara
- Benut
- Ayer Baloi
- Nusajaya

 
==Johor areas receive Singapore digital TV channels where require higher antenna==

* Batu Pahat
* Kluang
* Simpang Renggam
* Yong Peng
* Parit Sulong
* Sri Gading
* Senggarang
* Renggam
* Seri Medan
* Semerah
* Parit Raja
* Rengit
* Ayer Hitam 


Receiving Malaysia digital terrestrial TV (myFreeview/MYTV) in Singapore requires UHF outdoor antenna, tuning frequencies are:

* MUX 1: UHF 666MHz CH45
* MUX 2: UHF 650MHz CH43
* Transmitting site: Gunung Pulai/Skudai/Pelangi, Johor, Malaysia

Remark: Depends on which Singapore areas that you are in and antenna system of household unit. Some of household will not receive Malaysia TV channels from Johor in Singapore as the household installs MATV system (Master Antenna television) like hotels, and hospitals to rebroadcast TV transmission for an apartment through a cable.

Channels list: 

== TV ==
RTM TV1, RTM TV2, RTM TVOkey, Berita RTM, RTM HD Sports, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, CJ Wow Shop (Malay & Chinese), Go Shop, TV Alhijrah, Bernama News Channel.

==Radio==
RTM Radio Klasik, Nasional FM, Ai FM, Traxx FM, Minnal FM and Asyik FM