TELECOMMUNICATIONS
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Tough regulations and lack of a clear telecommunications policy could drive away foreign investors from the sector, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) deputy secretary-general Apichart Sakdiset has warned.
Laws and regulations applying to the telecommunication business were too complex and set too many conditions, he told a seminar on media law organised by the Thai Journalists Association.
He also raised a question about the NTC's independence.
''We are wondering whether the NTC is truly independent, as set out in the law,'' he said. ''What's happening now is that the NTC can't hold business talks with foreign partners without the government's approval.
''The government's lack of a clear policy on the issue makes it even more difficult to discuss matters with foreign investors.''
This lack of clear direction meant there had been no progress in the satellite business in Thailand, for example.
The delay in formulating a satellite investment policy would jeopardise the country's competitiveness in the global satellite communication market, Mr Apichart said.
He advised the government to urgently set up the National Broadcasting Commission to help along the NTC's work.
Kasem Inkaew, chairman of the Cable TV Club of Thailand, called on the government to bring into force a law on the establishment of a frequency management organisation.
The agency would help regulate the cable TV business and protect the local operators from foreign cable TV firms, he said.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Next
