Thailand25
A committed partner to Thailand
For the past 25 years, Telenor has been a proud partner in Thailand’s remarkable digital journey, shaping a future where mobile connectivity has impacted millions of lives.
Looking for opportunities in Asia, Telenor saw Thailand’s immense growth potential and in 2000 became an owner of the country’s second largest mobile operator, dtac. Our vision was simple and bold, ensuring that every Thai could benefit from owning a mobile phone by making connectivity accessible and affordable.
Beyond technology, Telenor was committed to building a unique company culture, a vibrant fusion of the best of Thailand and Norway. Drawing on Telenor’s international experience and leadership principles, dtac reduced hierarchies, promoted equality, and empowered employees. This synergy of global best practices and deep local understanding enabled the company to deliver experiences that truly resonated with Thai customers all while upholding good governance, transparent business practices and a commitment to giving back to society.
Backed by Telenor, dtac’s commitment to rolling out nationwide data coverage and continuous upgrades of digital infrastructure with 3G, 4G and 5G enabled a tech-savvy population. This digital embrace fostered a thriving ecosystem, with Thai consumers and businesses rapidly adopting and benefiting from a wide array of innovative digital services. To cater for this, Telenor actively supported dtac’s modernisation into an agile and efficient digital service provider.
As the telecom market matured, the convergence of 5G, AI, IoT and Cloud technologies presented new opportunities. Recognizing this transformative potential, Telenor joined forces with C.P. Group and the expertise and operations of dtac and True were combined, creating a telco-tech champion, True Corporation.
As the market leader, True Corporation will use its scale and financial strength to meet the evolving needs of Thai consumers, fuel Thailand’s digital growth, and spearhead its digital transformation. As an active owner in True Corp, Telenor brings its deep technological expertise, global capabilities, access to international partnerships, and unwavering commitment to transparent and responsible business practices.
As Thailand steps into the next digital era, we recognize that digital connectivity will be at the very centre of society, enabling change, building smarter solutions, and unlocking new opportunities for all.
For 25 years, Telenor has been a dedicated partner to Thailand’s digital journey, and our commitment remains steadfast. We are proud to have played a pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s telecom sector and will continue to help build better digital lives for every Thai.
News & Stories
Over two decades ago, owning a mobile phone in Thailand was considered a luxury. High call charges, limited network coverage, and numerous barriers for those living outside major cities meant connectivity was far from universal, and participation in the digital world was a privilege enjoyed by only a select few.
Bangkok, 18 August 2025 — Thai internet users are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) with enthusiasm and optimism but also caution, tempered by a call for ethical safeguards and personal responsibility. These are some of the key findings from the latest Telenor Asia Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Thailand’s AI Future report launched today.
For more than three decades, Telenor Asia, a leading global telecommunications group from Norway, or as Thais know it as the former owner of DTAC, has been one of the key drivers of technological transformation in Asia, from providing access to basic telecommunications to building the digital infrastructure that is the foundation of modern society. Whether in Bangladesh, Malaysia or Thailand, Telenor has not only invested but implementing structural changes.
It has never been more exciting or challenging time to be a business leader than in today’s fast-paced, AI-powered world. The business environment is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, geopolitical tensions, and different generational perspectives all coming into play. For Kulnapa “KC” Chanachompoo, Director of Competency Development at Telenor Asia, the opportunity to shape the next generation of executives capable of navigating this dynamic landscape is incredibly motivating.
As Telenor celebrates its 25th anniversary in Thailand, its commitment to sustainable business is stronger than ever. The Norwegian telecom company believes responsible business is good business and follows the same high standards wherever it operates.
A delegation of 90 participants from Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) Digital CEO program visited Telenor Group’s global headquarters in Oslo, Norway to gain insight from digital transformation in the Nordic region.
Bangkok, 21 January 2025 – People in Thailand have higher trust in AI, when compared to regional peers in Singapore and Malaysia. They have also enthusiastically embraced a digital life and are among the most avid users of the internet in Southeast Asia. On average, people in Thailand spend nearly five hours online daily, exceeding the Southeast Asian average of 4 hours and 35 minutes.
Highlights From Our 25 Years in Thailand
2025
Telenor celebrates 25-year partnership with Thailand
2024
True Corporation wins Stock Exchange of Thailand’s “Deal of the year” award for the successful merger
2023
Merger of True and dtac is successfully completed, with Telenor and CP Group as equal owners. True Corporation serves an estimated 60 million customers across mobile, broadband, and TV
2021
Telenor Group and C.P. Group announces its intention to create a leading telecom-tech company by merging True and dtac
2020
dtac launched 5G services
2018
dtac launched new AI laboratory in partnership with Thammasat University and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT)
2017
dtac received the Thailand Sustainability Investment Award from the Stock Exchange of Thailand as a recognition for its outstanding performance in sustainability development
2014
dtac launched 4G in Bangkok. In 2015, 4G coverage is expanded to 40 major cities before rolling out nationwide coverage
2013
dtac launched Accelerate Incubator program to stimulate growth in the digital ecosystem. With Telenor’s reach, startups gained access to international markets. The program ran until 2021 with 8 successful batches.
2011
dtac launched 3G services on its 850MHz spectrum band. In 2012, dtac launch 3G on 2.1GHz spectrum band with increased data speed and capacity.
2009
dtac moved to new offices in Chamchuri Square, inspired by Telenor HQ in Norway. Recognised by Business Insider as one of the world’s best places to work due to its open and modern design, promoting innovation and collaboration
2007
dtac became blue as the company rebrands with Telenor logo, company values and leadership behaviours.
2006
Telenor established its Asia regional headquarters at Exchange Tower, Bangkok.
2006
Sigve Brekke was appointed CEO and takes full responsibility of dtac as Telenor’s first nominated CEO.
2003
dtac launched the pre-paid brand Happy, providing micro top-ups to make connectivity affordable for all Thai consumers
2002
dtac appointed Norwegian and Thai co-CEOs, combining Telenor’s international expertise with Thai partner’s local market knowledge
2000
Telenor acquired stake in Thai mobile operator Total Access Communications (TAC)