slimdog

Bringing the subject back on Topic..

iTV could face delisting by SET

iTV Plc may have to be delisted, since the revocation of its concession requires the transfer of all of its assets to the PM's Office, and that would cause a sharp drop in the station's finances, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) said yesterday.

Following the revocation, iTV- whose channel has been renamed TITV - must suspend all commercial and employment contracts.

The SET posted NC (non-compliance) and SP (suspension of trading) signs on iTV securities, effective immediately. The suspension will run until the broadcaster can give clear information to the SET about its procedures and a timeline for eliminating the reasons for a delisting

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/10...ss_30028949.php

TITV SAGA RENTAL CONTRACTS CANCELLED

Broadcasts may be interrupted

The Prime Minister's Office might not be able to follow the Central Administrative Court's temporary order that TITV content be broadcast uninterrupted after iTV Plc executives cancelled all rental contracts for broadcasting equipment and stations nationwide, PM's Office Minister Dhipavadee Meksawan said yesterday. Among those revoked are contracts to rent offices and studio space of the former iTV station in Shinawatra III Building, as well as contracts to use satellite services, the broadcasting station at Baiyoke Tower and more than 40 broadcasting stations nationwide.

The revocation of those contracts has made it very difficult for the Public Relations Department, which has taken over the station from iTV Plc, to continue broadcasting the now-renamed TITV contents uninterrupted, Khunying Dhipavadee, who leads the cabinet-appointed committee to administer TITV, said. However, by revoking those contracts, executives of iTV Plc breached the administrative court's order for continuation of the broadcast and the PM's Office will file a lawsuit to seek compensation from iTV Plc later on, she said.

Full story: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Mar2007_news15.php

General denies knowing bribe suspects

Council for National Security (CNS) chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin on Friday denied that a colonel arrested for fraud charges had worked for the CNS. He insisted he would never has such a person on his team.

On Thursday, the police arrested Colonel Nattaporn Chaithongkham along with a civilian Attaphan Maneechotewichanat, for using the name of CNS secretarygeneral General Winai Phattiyakul to ask for Bt40 million from Panatthana Tamprateep, editor and owner of the Kha Phandin Siam newspaper in exchange for a ministerial seat.

Nattaporn, attached to the Supreme Command Headquarters, claimed he was a Winai's "close aide" and a headhunter searching for people to join the Cabinet.

Panatthana said the two men told him he was a "favourite choice" and would get into the Cabinet if he gave Bt40 million to back the candidacy.

However, the recent Cabinet reshuffle saw no fresh faces in the new lineup although he had paid the money. Winai strongly denied knowing the suspects.

Both suspects denied fraud charges. Nattaporn used his position to secure bail. Attaphan placed 100,000 baht bail.

Sonthi warned the public to be aware of a number of people who had illegally claimed that they worked for the CNS in order to do mischief.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsang Niempradit said he did not believe any CNS leaders would back Colonel Nattaporn to ask for the bribe.

However, the case would not make the public lose faith in the CNS as it was conducted by individuals, he said.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/09...es_30028936.php

A little OFF topic maybe but how so many people can keep bashing this present administration for practically everything that,s now wrong with Thailand is beyond me.

HAVE you forgotten, perhaps conveniently, who put Thailand into this mess in the first place.

As a consequence those now trying to sort it all out are being used as scapegoats and whipping material while the true perpetrators are still being feted as possible saviours of the country and have been unjustly

treated as honourable people with HONEST / DISHONEST INTENTIONS.

How phoney and unrealistic can you get, DO ME A FAVOUR PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

marshbags

The reason that people have been bashing the present administration for the itv mess can be found in yesterdays THe Nation:

The plan to revoke the broadcasting concession was first mooted late last year when it looked certain the channel would face huge penalties - of over Bt100 billion - and it would be unable to pay. Now, that time has come, and it is evident the government is poorly equipped and ill-prepared to take the next steps in handling iTV.

Despite having months to prepare, the Cabinet only approved the revocation last week.

Then, the PM's Office started talking about having MCOT run iTV. While MCOT acting president Pongsak Phayakvichien said that could be done - now that MCOT is still majority-owned by the Finance Ministry and maintains quasi state-enterprise status - most of MCOT's directors were absent from the board meeting last weekend to approve the management contract.

Then, yesterday, Dhipawadee named the Public Relations Department as the future operator of iTV. However, the PRD can only take over operations when the Council of State guarantees that such an arrangement does not violate broadcasting law. The answer will possibly come on Friday.

It was a surprise that talks and legal reviews did not take place long before the revocation, to pave the way for assets seizure and operations takeover immediately after the station was taken over by the state. Considering the performance of the government in the past five months, this is not surprising, though.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/pag...amp;id=30028688

Todays news, From the Bangkok Post:

The spectre of bankruptcy still hangs over iTV Plc, with the public prosecutor making it clear yesterday the company is still liable for its 2.2 billion baht overdue concession fee and fine. Meanwhile, its successor TITV, which is being run by the Public Relations Department (PRD), is leaderless.

Chira Hongladarom resigned yesterday as acting director of the state-owned UHF television channel, system and head of the committee charged with running the station during its transition after only 24 hours in the job.

Mr Chira took the step after critics questioned his eligibility as a declared bankrupt. He is currently appealing the bankruptcy court's verdict.

source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Mar2007_news01.php

Reminded of the 7 "P" rule:

Proper Planning & Preperation Prevents Pi$$ Poor Performance

iTV stays on the air as court reverses government order

The Central Administrative Court rejected a government order to take iTV off the air on Wednesday, telling staff who defied the regime and kept the station on the air to continue working.

There were scenes of joy among iTV staff and a large crowd that gathered on Wednesday to support the station and its staff. The court decision was a major setback for the government, and especially PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, who surprised everyone with an order to close the station last weekend.

Full story: http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117272

PM orders iTV to remain on air

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont ordered the Prime Minister's Office to keep iTV broadcast on air without suspension after midnight, PM's Office permanent secretary Chulayuth Hiranyawsit said.

Gen Surayud's order came even before the Central Administrative Court gives its ruling on whether to keep the station on air. iTV staff called it "a miracle" that the government reversed its decision on iTV. After midnight tonight, Public Relations Department will take over iTV, whose name is to be changed to T-ITV.

source: http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=117280

Chalongphob is appointed as new finance minister

As expected, Chalongphob Sussangkarn is appointed as new Finance Minister, replacing Pridiyathorn Devakula who resigned last week.

Social Development Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham will serve as deputy prime minister also.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalarp said HM the King has approved cabinet reshuffle which would also see Poladej Pinpradab, secretary to Social development minister, is appointed as deputy social development minister.

Dr Morakot Kornkasem, former Food and Drug Administration, becomes deputy public health minister.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/07...es_30028720.php

In nearly every post, every news story and every TG missive quoted here, Khon Kaen (KKC) always seems to be missing. Presumably KKC flights would move to DMK, but who knows?

The only information I could find was in yesterdays business section of The Nation:

Thai Airways will move some domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang from March 25.

Don Muang will handle second-tier routes such as Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok and Ubon Ratchathani.

full story can be found at:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/06...ss_30028558.php

why is iTV still on my TV ??

what have i missed ??

itv applied for a court injunction late yesterday afternoon. The decission will be made approx 1.00pm this afternoon

iTV stays on the air as court considers fate

Thailand's first independent TV station remained on the air on Wednesday morning, even after the government ordered it shut down and all 1,010 staff terminated.

iTV loses concession, defies orders to go black

On-air news and commentary presenters said the station would likely go dark "tonight" (Wednesday evening Thailand time). They said the staff kept the station on the air themselves, and defy the government order, after filing a petition with the Central Administrative Court.The petition asks the court to order the government to keep the station on the air. A ruling could come today, although that is up to the judges.

Full story can be found at:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117266

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7. Was iTV already in such great debt during the period that Shin was the owner of iTV ?

No, not at all, they made quite nice profits in later years - after they cut the concession payments and introduced game shows and other enerntainment programs.

Profits for itv were:

2002 -770.15 million baht

2003 -660.44 million baht

2004 204.56 million baht

2005 679.11 million baht

2006 364.40 million baht

total loss for last 5 years = - 152.15 million baht

Thaksin bought ITV, introduced editorial changes and quickly fired a dozen of political reporters who disagreed with "party line" just in time for his first elections in 2000. Later on he illegally changed concession contract of his TV station to turn it into a money making machine - reduced news content and bring on popular game shows.

"Hard working" staff never protested. They all looked forward to growing revenues and stock options windfall.

The party didn't last forever, with Thaksin gone they have to answer for subverting original ITV goals and sitting quiet when their colleagues tried in vain to protest political inteference.

I, personally, have no pity for them whatsoever. They won't lose their jobs anyway, it's just a hiccup, they've made enough money to cover a few days out of work.

Thank you for your insight info.

However I have still a few questions:

1. WHY did iTV get those fines (in debt now for US$2.9 billion in just 5 years....)?

100 million baht for every day that the content ratio was changed from 70/30 to 50/50 news/entertainment

2. was this pre- or post-junta related ? or was this: Original court order was just after Thaksin sold the station to Singapore, the order was upheld in the Supreme court in December

3. pre- or post Shins' corp sales to Temasek ? Post Sale to Temasek

4. Is Temasek/Singapore now the single- owner of iTV ? No, Temasek own 41%

5. Is this just a junta/government step to irritate 'Singapore' ? No comment...

6. How can 'Bangkok' get away with closing an apparently very popular TV-station?..assuming Thai people will be frustrated over this, right ? itv did deserve better, but from it's conception the various governments seemed to be more concerned with getting their money (44% of all revenue) rather than allowing the company to grow.

and finally:

7. Was iTV already in such great debt during the period that Shin was the owner of iTV ?

In reality the only time that itv didn't suffer losses was the period when the content ratio was altered, as they were able to get far greater advertising revenue.

LaoPo

ITV to be pressed for hefty penalties

PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipawadee Meksawan said today that the PM's Office, as the owner of the broadcasting concession to iTV Plc, will further pressure the broadcaster for the hefty fines of Bt135 billion.

The fines are a result of iTV's violation of the concession in terms of the programming ratio.

"We're the creditor and we will press for the payment. We need to follow through the procedure carefully to protect the national interests," she said.

ITV's concession would be abolished at midnight, if the company could not repay the unpaid concession fee of Bt2.2 billion.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/06...es_30028607.php

iTV taken off air tonight

ITV would be taken off the air this midnight, immediately after the concession is revoked by the PM's Office, said PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipawadee Meksawan.

After the Cabinet meeting today, she revealed that to follow through the legal procedure, iTV cannot operate until the government has the confirmation to do so from the Council of State.

"The Council of State will rush through this process. It tends to give the answer within this Friday," she said.

She also noted that the Publics Relations Department would take over iTV's operations, not MCOT as previously planned.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/06...es_30028606.php

AEC to rule on cases against Thaksin administration

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) is Tuesday set to rule on the cases of alleged graft scandals involving the deposed administration of Thaksin Shinawatra, its chairman Nam Yimyaem said Monday.

The scandals include the Krung Thai Bank loan, the purchase of fire vehicles by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the two and three-digit lottery, he said.

If the AEC ruled that any of the cases were corrupt, it would establish an adhoc panel to investigate it [before passing the evidence to the Attorney General], he said.

The AEC would also consider other cases involving the rubber scam and the telecom excise tax, he added.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028537

as I was reading one of the recent Posts about "Visa-on-Arrival" to China - is this available for Germans?

To answer your question, Yes

However, the visa on arrival situation is dependant on which Airport you arrive at, and is not applicable to every Airport in China. Also in order to qualify there must be a minimum of 5 people travelling on a prepaid group tour.

In view of the fact that you may have difficulties either with checking-in without a visa, or the visa-on-arrival office may be closed that day, it is far more sensible to obtain a visa prior to departure

Countries which the visa-on- arrival are valid for are:

USA, Singapore, Russia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Thailand, Philippine, Indonesia, Germany, Britain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Spanish, Holland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Hope of some help

One thing to add to the confusion, is the fact that according to Nok Airs website, quite a few flights are due to stop on the 25th March 2007. In particular flights to/from Phuket, but also Chiang Mai and Trang are losing some of their flights. Whether this means that the flights will be operated by Thai is not mentioned...

source: http://www.nokair.com/s1000_obj/front_page..._category_id=81

When a democratically elected government is in place it will be a wonderful time to consider prosecuting the previously elected government and the junta, not before.

That's not going to happen. The Junta, when they came up with the interim constitution gave themselves and any persons acting on their behalf immunity from prosecution for any acts prior to, during, or after the 19th September, providing that such acts were done with the approval of the council for democratic reform, or the chairperson of the council.

Otherwise known as section 37 of the Constitution of the kingdom of Thailand (Interim) BE 2549

copy can be found at:

http://www.senate.go.th/pdf/const.pdf

Part of which reads:

"If those acts are offenses under the laws then the person who commit those acts shall be entirely discharged from such offenses and liabilities."

MCOT to get 10 per cent from iTV's profit

MCOT Plc will receive 10 per cent of iTV's profits as the management fee once the Prime Minister's Office takes control of iTV and transfers the operations to the new operator.

Chulayuth Hirunyavasit, permanent secretary of the PM's Office, which granted the license to iTV, said MCOT will be responsible for the operating expenses of iTV, which amount to around Bt100 million a month.

He added that MCOT has prepared an amount of Bt400 billion to cover the operations in the first four months. The money would then be covered by iTV's revenue which is estimated at Bt2 billion per annum.

He insisted that no taxpayer money would be involved in the operations of iTV.

The debt-ridden broadcaster's operations would be seized at midnight of March 6 if it fails to pay the unpaid concession fee of Bt2.2 billion.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028245

Downsizing of NHRC opposed

The move to merge a smaller National Human Rights Commission with the Ombudsman would suffocate human rights and liberty in Thailand, a human rights network said Thursday.

"If it is abolished … there will surely be questions raised by Thais and the international community as to whether the human rights situation here is more regressive after the coup," the coalition of 90 organisations said in a statement.

The group had called a press conference in response to last month's proposal by a leading member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly to downsize and merge the NHRC.

The Ombudsman cannot act unless a complaint is filed. It deals mainly with the actions of government officials, while the NHRC's work is proactive. The NHRC has the duty to monitor both state and non-state human rights violations, propose laws and policies as well as educate the public about related issues, the statement said.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028246

Exim Bank chairman Virabongsa Ramangkura is being hotly tipped to replace MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, whose resignation as deputy prime minsiter and finance minister threatens to snowball into a full-blown crisis for the interim government.

what do we know about this guy ??

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Chavalit. Brought in just as the IMF agreed a series of loans to Thailand.

Bit more info can be found:

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/97/0829/nat5.html

Samart conducts feasibility study into ShinSat purchase

Samart is conducting a feasibility study into acquiring shares of Shin Satellite (ShinSat), company president Vatchai Vilailuck said Wednesday.

Vatchai said the company had already informed its Malaysian strategic partner, Telekom Malaysia, of its interest in the satellite business. The Malaysian telecom giant owns 18 per cent of Samart.

"We've yet to approach ShinSat shareholders on the matter," he added.

He said some investment bankers had approached Samart about helping the company facilitate the deal but that political factors were the key to Samart making a decision to acquire ShinSat shares.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028136

global markets slump overnight, now pridiyathorn resigns. just a gentle reminder for those a bit slow off the bat, SELL ALL POSITIONS ON THE SET NOW!

An amateur's question:

Is the fall in stock market only a temporary setback, or is this the beginning of a crash, and what effects might that have on the Thai economy, and life for us here?

hi ColPyat. i hope i'm wrong, and i'm no expert either, but here's my assessment.

the SET has always been led by foreign trading, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

recent rally was sparked partly internally, but to a larger extent by regional funds who put a Buy on thai index stocks as thailand was seen as undervalued with P/E at around 8 to 9 while regional bourses were closer to 20.

despite lower risk and higher growth prospects, regional markets were so overbought that with the relatively risky thai situation, a price earnings ratio of 8 was just too attractive, so funds looking to spread their risk a bit more took a punt on the SET. but remember, this is during a time when everything else is doing so well, maybe even too well.

if what we have seen in the last 24 hours or so is the start of a global sell off, then obviously funds will move first to protect their exposure in these regional markets. in any case, they will not be parking their funds here, an even higher risk market.

the impact on the SET with pridiyathorn resigning has little to do with whether he was well liked in thailand, and much more to do with how foreign funds view its impact on political stability. the market can deal with the good or the bad, as long as they see it coming, but markets are bad with dealing with uncertainty.

pridiyathorn's departure will create a vacuum, and whatever political wrangling and eventual replacement that will occur, and whether the replacement could be seen as being anymore worthy than pridiyathorn, and the as yet unknown policy angle he/she will adopt, all spells an even murkier and more uncertain picture for thailand.

i'm not sure if the global sell off is temporary, i hope it is, but in either case, they will not be looking here while they have the bigger markets to deal with. if regional prices retreat to 13 or 14 P/E, then obviously thailand will be relatively less attractive and they will be hunting bargains elsewhere.

and so my call is to sell, watch the global situation, wait till further clarity is reached regarding pridiyathorn's replacement, then come back to pick bargain stocks if the situation is encouraging.

Just to emphasise what thedude has stated, regarding foreign trading, looking at the SET's website shows that just this year, Thai Individuals and Thai Institutions have both been NET sellers, the only real buyers in the market today are foreigners..

More information can be found at:

http://www.set.or.th/set/investortype.do?l...&country=US

1. (Engine Type) D4D 3.0

2. (Usual fuel) doh

3. (Total kms) 60,000

4. (Kms/ltr) 11

Probably 80% of this was driving in town. Do seem to get slightly better fuel consumption on out of town trips, but not much more than 11.8.

I wonder if this has been reported amongst the various news on the Charter that Jaidee has kindly kept updates of....but anyhow even if it comes at the risk of repeating what has been said...its so crucial that I dont care even if its a repeat:

The members of Consitutional drafting committee has proposed to dissolve the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) or combine with Ombudsman. This point is extremely crucial for the Thai.

Thailand's NHRC is one amongst 4 that exist in ASEAN countries, and in the past Thailand together with the Philippines has been in the forefront to work on establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. Other countries such an independent commission exist include: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Cambodia has recently agreed to establish its national commission, while also voicing support for the ASEAN wide body. True that in the political world such support will take years before it turns into substantive actions, but if the thailand body is to be dissolved, this would not be only a huge step back for thailand, but also for the entire region! The efforts has taken atleast 10 years of hard work before we reached this point.

without going into other contentious issues that this Constitution Drafting Committee are playing around with, the issue of the National Human Rights Commission in itself is already a huge blow and certainly a jump backward for thailand's democracy!!

I cant describe how mad this makes me!!!!!!

Whilst I totally agree with you that there should be no way that the NHRC should be dissolved, it does however need to be changed. One of the big failings of the NHRC has been the lack of any real power granted to it by the constitution (1997). Effectively it could only report it's findings to the house of representatives, and it had no power to take any action against any individual or groups who may have been in violation of peoples human rights. In contrast the office of the Ombudsman had loads of power, but was never used, as no one seemed to understand the function of the ombudsman..

For reference:

Constitution of the Kindom of Thailand (1997)

Section 200

The National Human Rights have the powers and duties as follows:

1) to examine and report the commission or omission of acts which violate human rights or which do not comply with obligations under international treaties to which Thailand is a party, and propose appropriate remedial measures to the person or agency committing or omitting such acts for taking action. In the case where it appears that no action has been taken as proposed, the Commission shall report to the National Assembly for further proceeding;

2) to propose to the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers policies and recommendations with regard to the revision of laws, rules or regulations for the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights;

3) to promote education, researches and the dissemination of knowledge on human rights;

4) to promote co-operation and co-ordination among Government agencies, private organisations, and other organisations in the field of human rights;

5) to prepare an annual report for the appraisal of situations in the sphere of human rights in the country and submit it to the National Assembly;

6) other powers and duties as provided by law.

In the performance of duties, the National Human Rights Commission shall also have regard to the interests of the country and the public.

The National Human Rights Commission has the power to demand relevant documents or evidence from any person or summon any person to give statements of fact including other powers for the purpose of performing its duties as provided by law.

At least the ombudsman had the power to take a matter either to the constitutional court or the administrative court for immediate ruling. Hopefully the new constitution will allow for a more powerful commission, and doesn't even consider the possibility of it being dissolved.

iTV could be nationalised : PM Office Minister

The iTV could come to an end if it failed to repay debt of Bt100 billion within March 6. The government will revoke concession and nationalise the station, PM's Office Minister Khunying Divapadi Meksawan said Tuesday.

The decision was reached at the weekly Cabinet meeting, which is conducted every Tuesday, Dipavadi said.

After the cancellation of the contract, the government will then appoint new executive board to oversee the station, she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula said that the government's decision will not have impacts on iTV staffs and broadcast of the station.

"The station's broadcast will continue as usual. But the station will have to change the name," Pridiyathorn said.

iTV has been ordered to pay Bt100.343 billion penalty to the government, of which Bt2.21 billion was for unpaid concession fees, Bt464 million was the interest and a Bt97.76 billion fine for adjusting its television programming content without the consent of the concession owner.

The dispute between iTV and the PM's Office began in September 2002, when the broadcaster appealed to an arbitration panel over its dispute with the PM's Office regarding the terms of its concession contract.

In January 2004, the arbitration panel allowed iTV to pay a lower concession fee and adjust the ratio of its news and entertainment programming by raising the entertainment content.

The PM's Office appealed to the Central Administrative Court, which last May overruled the arbitration panel's decision. The broadcaster later appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court, which last month upheld the ruling of the lower court.

As a result, the PM's Office is demanding immediate payment of the fine, plus backdated concession fees.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/27...es_30028026.php

Rest in Peace