Bangkok’s Countdown Lights Up Data Networks as TRUE Reports 300% Surge at ICONSIAM

  • Facebook is the No.1 app across mobile and home internet on countdown night

True Corporation reported mobile and internet usage insights from the Year of the Horse 2026 New Year celebrations, reflecting a vibrant countdown atmosphere nationwide. A key highlight was the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026” at ICONSIAM, which reinforced its position as a global countdown destination and connected Thailand to the world through CNN’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast. This year’s celebrations featured an exclusive performance from global iconic artist Mark Tuan, alongside leading Thai artists, drawing large crowds of Thai residents and international visitors to the Chao Phraya Riverfront. As a result, mobile data usage around ICONSIAM on countdown night surged by approximately 300% compared with regular festival periods in December 2025. True also invited the public to watch behind-the-scenes moments from the countdown operations through the video “Happiness on Duty.”

At the same time, Mobility Data from users on the TrueMove H and dtac mobile networks during the late-December 2025 New Year period reflected strong travel and hometown return trends among both Thai residents and international visitors, particularly during the final week of the year. The top five international visitor markets entering Thailand on the TrueMove H network were China, Malaysia, Russia, the United States, and India, respectively. Meanwhile, dtac data showed leading inbound markets as Austria, China, the United States, Russia, and Sweden. Visitors from these countries traveled across Bangkok and major provincial destinations, continuing to support Thailand’s year-end tourism momentum.

In addition, True Corporation reported the top five provinces favored by Thai and international travelers based on Mobility Data, along with the five most-used applications across both mobile and home internet platforms on countdown night. During the festive period, TrueID app usage increased by approximately 110% compared with normal levels, reflecting strong demand for video and entertainment content as users welcomed the New Year.

Mr. Khurrum Ashfaque, Chief Network Officer of True Corporation Plc., said, “True Corporation elevated mobile network and internet performance to operate at full efficiency throughout the festive season and on New Year’s Eve as Thailand welcomed the Year of the Horse 2026. We carried out precise network planning based on Mobility Data analytics and user behavior around countdown venues nationwide. This enabled targeted reinforcement of 5G, 4G, and WiFi capacity, supported by field operations teams on duty 24 hours a day.

We ensured consistent signal quality across major Bangkok countdown landmarks such as ICONSIAM, as well as key tourist areas and popular provinces nationwide, allowing Thai users and international visitors to share photos, videos, live streams, and New Year greetings smoothly and continuously. This reflects True’s commitment to elevating digital experiences for people in Thailand to global standards, especially during major celebrations.”

 

TrueMove H Mobile Usage Statistics – New Year 2026

Top 5 Provinces for Thai Travelers
Most visited provinces for travel and hometown returns during the New Year period:

  1. Buriram
  2. Phetchabun
  3. Sisaket
  4. Surin
  5. Roi Et

Fastest-Growing Province for Thai Travelers
Surin recorded the highest growth at approximately 30%, reflecting increased hometown returns amid temporary evacuations related to the Thai–Cambodian border situation, combined with extended New Year holidays.

Top 5 Provinces for International Travelers

  1. Phuket
  2. Surat Thani
  3. Krabi
  4. Chiang Mai
  5. Chonburi

 

Rising Star Province for International Travelers
Surat Thani recorded growth of approximately 80%, highlighting its strong appeal as a major southern tourism hub with islands, natural attractions, culture, and seafood.

Top 5 Mobile Applications

  1. Facebook
  2. YouTube
  3. LINE
  4. TikTok
  5. Instagram

Peak Usage Hour
21.00–22.00 on December 31, 2025

(Based on TrueMove H Mobility Data, December 2025)

 

dtac Mobile Usage Statistics – New Year 2026

Top 5 Provinces for Thai Travelers

  1. Nakhon Ratchasima
  2. Khon Kaen
  3. Ubon Ratchathani
  4. Surin
  5. Buriram

Fastest-Growing Province for Thai Travelers
Phetchabun grew by approximately 32%, reflecting continued popularity of mountain and cool-climate destinations near Bangkok, including Khao Kho, Phu Thap Boek, and Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaew.

 

Top 5 Provinces for International Travelers

  1. Phuket
  2. Chonburi
  3. Surat Thani
  4. Chiang Mai
  5. Krabi

Rising Star Province for International Travelers
Satun recorded growth of approximately 115%, reinforcing interest in cultural tourism, historic towns, and travel to Koh Lipe.

 

Top 5 Mobile Applications

  1. Facebook
  2. YouTube
  3. TikTok
  4. LINE
  5. WhatsApp

Peak Usage Hour
20.00–21.00 on December 31, 2025

(Based on dtac Mobility Data, December 2025)

 

True Online Home Internet Usage – New Year 2026

Peak usage occurred between 21.00–22.00 on December 31, 2025, driven by content streaming, video calls, and online gaming among families and friends.

Top 5 applications on True Online:

  1. Facebook
  2. LINE
  3. YouTube
  4. TikTok
  5. Instagram

True Corporation also invites the public to watch behind-the-scenes moments from its countdown operations through the video “Happiness on Duty” at: https://m.facebook.com/share/v/1CyLgyCLuW/

In addition, True Corporation continues to Power UP its network to a new standard that is safer and faster, while delivering year-end happiness through the campaign “TRUE 5G UP – Signal UP, Happiness UP: Smile to Receive Gifts and Celebrate the New Signal.” Customers can easily participate by opening the True app, tapping the campaign banner, or visiting https://s.true.th/3aCz/HappyExp7, selecting “Receive Gift,” and smiling at the camera to instantly receive a surprise gift. The campaign runs from now through January 10, 2026.