Bangkok: “Rakchanok” urges “NBTC Chairman” to resign from his position, saying his face is thicker than the average person’s, firing him every week won’t do it, saying he has no power to control the table of frequency auctions, “PM” must stop the rot, auction will be in a few days, believes people will have to pay more, slams benefits for mobile network capital groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, Bangkok MP of the Prachachon Party, held a press conference regarding the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)’s upcoming auction of four main frequency bands scheduled for June 29. She highlighted that the starting bid prices were significantly lower than those currently collected by the state, specifically pointing out discrepancies in the 2,100 and 2,300 MHz bands.
Ms. Rakchanok criticized the NBTC’s decision to start the auction with prices based on rates from a decade ago, questioning the rationale behind such outdated valuations. She cited previous transactions where AIS and DTAC rented spectrums for 12 billion baht and 7.3 billion baht, respectively, yet the NBTC’s starting prices are markedly lower at 4.5 billion baht and 2.6 billion baht.
She raised concerns about the limited competition following the merger of major mobile operators, noting that only two major networks remain without overlapping frequencies. This lack of competition, according to Ms. Rakchanok, has led to reduced service fees and promotions, negatively impacting consumers.
Ms. Rakchanok also questioned the NBTC’s relationship with mobile operators, accusing them of protecting corporate interests over public benefit. She challenged the NBTC’s claims that cheaper auction prices would result in reduced service fees, pointing out the lack of evidence to support such assertions.
Furthermore, Ms. Rakchanok criticized the qualifications of Dr. Saran Boonbaichaipruk, the NBTC Chairman, questioning his suitability for the position. She referred to previous Senate reports highlighting his lack of qualifications and criticized the continued allocation of resources to his office.
Despite weekly calls for his resignation, Ms. Rakchanok expressed skepticism that the NBTC Chairman would step down, suggesting that political dynamics may protect him. She urged the Prime Minister to intervene and address the issues within the NBTC, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in managing national resources.
Ms. Rakchanok concluded by appealing to the Prime Minister to take decisive action against what she described as corruption and mismanagement within the NBTC, advocating for reforms that prioritize the public interest over corporate gains.