Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Signs and symptoms of Thai stagnation
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 18/07/2025
» That Thailand is faring poorly in the world is no longer in dispute. Not so long ago, many were in denial and adamant that Thailand could still bring a good game to engage abroad, that "Teflon" Thailand could bounce back. Now, just about all indicators are pointing south. The causes of this country's decline and stagnation are not singular but multifaceted over a two-decade period. As Thailand's situation is likely to worsen before hopes for a better future can arise, it is instructive to start counting the costs.
NBTC faces huge hurdles
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/02/2025
» The case of Pirongrong Ramasoota, a commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) who faces a two-year jail term following a legal dispute with True Digital Group, is snowballing into what is being called the "Pirongrong Effect".
Smart reading
Oped, Postbag, Published on 24/12/2024
» A long time ago, I found a great book about mai pen pai, "No problem" at Asiabooks, and now I can't find it any more. And I would like to buy it and give it to friends to spread the news about its meaning. Please, where can I find it? It's a great present for foreigners.
Wake-up call for NBTC
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/11/2023
» The Supreme Administrative Court's verdict on Monday is the latest bombshell to hit the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The higher court overruled a lower court decision to throw out a lawsuit filed by a consumer group against the telecom watchdog regarding the merger of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC).
Oligarchical market control isn't healthy
Oped, Pavida Pananond, Published on 02/12/2022
» On the face of it, the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seems to be saying the right things about sustainable and inclusive growth. The prime minister himself has been touting a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model for Thailand, pitching it as the overarching theme of the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting. Yet, the political economy hidden underneath Gen Prayut's lofty rhetoric is becoming more short-term and exclusive, allowing wealth to be concentrated in fewer hands, giving a handful of conglomerates oligarchical control over the market.
Stop telcos' merger
Oped, Postbag, Published on 15/07/2022
» Re: "Two panels vote against True-DTAC merger deal", (BP, July 12).
DTAC-True merger must benefit public
Oped, Nipon Poapongsakorn, Published on 22/12/2021
» The planned mega merger between Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC) and True Corporation has caused a stir given its far-reaching impacts, not only on investment but also on consumers and other businesses that depend on telecommunication services like fintech suppliers, computer and mobile phone wholesalers as well as retailers.
Has NBTC gone too far?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 01/12/2021
» National Broadcasting Telecommunication (NBTC), the state regulator overseeing telecom and digital TV concessions, has recently been cast in a not so favourable light.
Mega-merger risks Thai digital future
Oped, Pavida Pananond, Published on 26/11/2021
» The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group is on the move again to swell further in size, weight and power over the market. Having recently acquired Tesco's operations when the British retailer sold out and exited Thailand and Malaysia, CP is now aiming to consolidate its grip on the telecommunications industry in a planned merger between its True Corporation and Total Access Communications (DTAC), the local subsidiary of Norway's Telenor. If successful, the merger would reduce Thailand's major telecom players from three to two and further concentrate market dominance over the telecom market to the detriment of consumer choice and welfare.