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BEC World
BEC World Public Company Limited (Thai: บริษัท บีอีซี เวิลด์ จำกัด (มหาชน)), doing business as BEC World, is a Thai media conglomerate, best known as the operator of television Channel 3. It was founded in 1990 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1995, though the group began doing business in 1967 as Bangkok Entertainment Co., Ltd., now a subsidiary. The business was founded by Vichai Maleenont, and continues to be majorly owned by the Maleenont family, though the company underwent major restructuring in the 2010s in response to major losses following landscape changes in the broadcast industry.[1][2] Over time, the business gradually expanded, leading to the growth of content businesses, such as the Global Content Licensing division and the establishment of BEC Studio and BEC Music.[3] HistorySTARTING POINTBangkok Entertainment Co., Ltd. was founded on 10 November 1967 by Vichai Maleenont,[citation needed] partnership with Thai Television Co., Ltd., to establish a 625-line color television station. Thai Color TV Channel 3 began construction in early 1969 on Phet Kasem Road, Nong Khaem District, Bangkok, on a 6-rai (approx. 9,600 square meters) site in the beginning of 1970, the construction of the first official building of Thai TV Channel 3 was completed. The building is made up of Head Office, Transmission Equipment Building, Power Generation, and Cooling System Building. 4-storey building with a total of 4 live broadcast studios installed with large screen for realistic sky scene effects.[4] First broadcasting test was begun on 11 January 1970 and officially in operation on 15 March 1970. Thai TV Channel 3 officially launched TV broadcasting service in Bangkok as Thailand's first commercial television channel on 26 March 1970 at 10:00 Bangkok Time by Prime Minister Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn[citation needed] This marked the start of the contract between Bangkok Entertainment Co., Ltd. and Thai Television Co., Ltd., set to expire on 25 March 1980. The station also broadcast on FM 105.5 MHz radio, with its headquarters located at 2259 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok.[4] FIRST STEPIn the early years (1970-1978), the TV programs broadcast by "Thai TV Channel 3”, subsidiarly of BEC World, primarily aired TV series or long films with live dubbing. The station installed two Telecine machines for broadcasting 16mm and 35mm films at 25 frames per second, with original audio broadcast simultaneously on FM 105.5 MHz.
DEVELOPMENTFrom 1978-1988, Channel 3 introduced U-matic tape, an analogue recording videocassette format, for recording dramas, advertisements, and broadcasting news via satellite, becoming the first Thai station to air global news.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
MOVING FORWARDFrom 1998-2005, Channel 3 installed an 11-meter satellite dish and began using Thaicom 2 for nationwide signal transmission.
A GIANT LEAP FOR CHANNEL 3From 2005-2012, Channel 3 moved to its current headquarters, owned by BEC World, at Maleenont Tower, located at 3199 Rama IV Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. Tower M1 serves as the office, while Tower M2 is the broadcasting operation center. The station upgraded its system to digital, using Digital SD equipment and video servers for advertising and promotions. Channel 3 also enhanced satellite transmission using Thaicom 2 with Digital MPEG-2 and switched some stations from VHF(Very-high Frequencies) to UHF(Ultra-high frequency) for better broadcast quality.[4] In 2007, Channel 3 signed a contract for a Digital News Studio and expanded satellite channels to improve news programs. By 2012, it introduced MAM (Media Asset Management) for production control and quality enhancement, preparing for HDTV(High-definition television) broadcasts and improving signal compression standards to AVC-Intra for international-standard programming and news. [4] ENTERING DIGITAL TV ERA 2012 – PRESENTSince 2012, Channel 3 has transitioned into the digital TV era, following the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)'s digital switchover plan. In 2014, BEC-Multimedia won Channel 13 for Family Program, Channel 28 for Standard Definition (SD) Programs and Channel 33 for High Definition (HD Program).Due to slower-than-expected advertising market growth, the company returned licenses for channels 13 and 28 in 2019, retaining only channels 3 and 33. [4] Over 50 years, Channel 3 has continuously improved its technology and broadcast quality, upgrading equipment to modern standards and consistently delivering a diverse and informative lineup to satisfy its audience. [4] ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURENowadays, Thai TV Channel 3 operates its business in a form of enterprise making up of 18 departments: [4]
Assets and subsidiariesBroadcasting and advertising media business group
The business group carries out procurement and production of programs and distribute items
Major Shareholders
Digital PlatformBECi Corporation Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of BEC World, operates the digital platform Ch3 Plus, which officially launched as the company's primary content production and distribution service.[7] “Ch3 Plus” designed specifically for Thai audiences under the concept of "3Plus Anywhere Anytime Any Device", it allows viewers to enjoy content at their convenience.[8] 3Plus offers viewers a wide variety of streaming options, including movies, TV shows, live sports, and re-runs, along with original and exclusive content. The platform also features content co-produced with both domestic and international partners, providing a diverse and dynamic entertainment experience.[7] In response to shifting viewer habits, the company launched the 3Plus digital/OTT platform, allowing audiences to access Channel 3 content anywhere, anytime with an internet connection. This platform offers a broad range of entertainment, including over 1,000 Channel 3 dramas, international series, news, cartoons, and exclusive content only available on 3Plus. The goal is to enhance business competitiveness by improving accessibility and increasing subscriber numbers.[7][8] BEC StudioBEC World Plc, the operator of Channel 3, has launched BEC Studio as a new content production house, marking a significant investment of 400 million baht in its strategic plan to expand content exports globally. The core of this investment is the Soundstage Studio, which features six studios with the capacity to produce at least 10 dramas annually. Located in Bangkok's Nong Khaem district, BEC Studios aims to position Thailand as a leading content exporter in Southeast Asia, boosting the nation's soft power, similar to South Korea's success.[9] BEC Studios aims to produce high-quality dramas, films, and series for various platforms, including its own Channel 3 and the CH3Plus streaming service. The studio is also positioned to collaborate with international partners for co-productions, particularly targeting over-the-top (OTT) platforms.[9][10]BEC Studios launched the collaboration with 12 leading Thai universities. The inaugural class, held in April 2022, included 35 participants selected from over 600 applicants. The 10-week program covered both theoretical and practical aspects of storytelling, guided by industry professionals.[11] BEC Studios is committed to leveraging advanced technology throughout its production processes, which encompasses:
The overarching goal of BEC Studios is to elevate Thai entertainment on the global stage, positioning Thailand as a leader in content exportation within Southeast Asia. The company recognizes the potential of Thai actors in regional markets but emphasizes the need for improved production standards and internationalized scripts.[9][10] BEC MusicBEC Music is a Thai pop (T-POP) music label under Channel 3, led by executive Pinkamol Maleenont. The label separated from Chandelier Music with the objective of increasing access to the target audience of the new generation, including both Thai and international fans, aligning with BEC Group's goal of becoming a Total Entertainment Company.[12] BEC Music has produced works since 2022, beginning with three artists under the label: Natapohn Tameeruks, Maylada Susri, and Nutticha Namwong. A full launch event for the record label was held in 2024, where BEC Music introduced additional artists such as Amanda Chalisa Obdam, Ryu Vachirawit, Smith Paswitch, and the five-member girl group consisting of Candy, Ami, Lisa, Neeya, and Jayna.[13] Global Content LicensingSince 2018, adjustments have been made to BEC Group's global content licensing business to reflect evolving consumer behavior and to enter additional markets. The Thai drama, The Crown Princess (Thai: ลิขิตรัก), was simulcast to China in collaboration with Tencent Video, and significant viewership was received.[14][15] BEC also formed a relationship with JKN Global Media Public Company Limited to distribute its content to nations such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.[14][16] BEC's strategy focuses on licensing Thai dramas to various platforms like Netflix and Viu.[10] They have successfully entered new markets, including South Korea and Africa.[17][18] Over 15,000 hours of content have been sold worldwide, with a major presence in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. As expansion occurs, related business opportunities, such as events and merchandising, are being explored.[14][15] In 2023 and 2024, content was promoted by BEC through international events like the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, where new and existing dramas were showcased.[19][20] Consistent growth has been experienced in global content licensing and digital platform revenues, with an emphasis placed on expanding into new regions and diversifying sales through multiple platforms.[20][21][22] References
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