TDRI slams junta for helping mobile operators at taxpayers’ expense

 

 

Thailand’s highly regarded economic think-tank has voiced its strong disagreement with the National Council for Peace and Order’s executive order extending the payment schedule of concession fees for the country’s three mobile phone operators, claiming the move will benefit the businesses at a cost to the taxpayers of around 24 billion baht.

 

Mr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), said in a statement issued on Thursday that he estimates that AIS, DTAC and True would each enjoy a windfall benefit from the reprieve of about 8billion baht each, which he described as “miraculous” because, the benefit appears to be equally split between them.

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as head of the NCPO, invoked the sweeping powers of Article 44 of the interim Constitution to delay payments by the three mobile operators in the hope that they will then participate in the bidding for the 700MHz and 2600MHz bands to enable roll out of 5G technology in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tdri-slams-junta-for-helping-mobile-operators-at-taxpayers-expense/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2019-04-12

2 minutes ago, webfact said:

Mr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI),

Will very soon be a nobody, like Big Joke.

These junta boys are not there to be criticised !

The last time that the TDRI slammed a government policy ended with the government being removed and the premier convicted. Any chance history will repeat? Nah by the longest mile stretch. 

6 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

The last time that the TDRI slammed a government policy ended with the government being removed and the premier convicted. Any chance history will repeat? Nah by the longest mile stretch. 

At least it shows that they are not bias in their opinion, and condemn things based on facts.

That will be Mr bling's dept. if he is still there. someone dead will be along shortly to answer these allegations and fob you off in customary fashion????   

14 minutes ago, robblok said:

At least it shows that they are not bias in their opinion, and condemn things based on facts.

Maybe this just a deception to show that the TDRI is not bias knowing full well that the junta government is untouchable. If they don’t make an opinion, they will be perceived as a crony agency. Kind of self preservation. 

2 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Maybe this just a deception to show that the TDRI is not bias knowing full well that the junta government is untouchable. If they don’t make an opinion, they will be perceived as a crony agency. Kind of self preservation. 

Hahaha I knew you would come back to protect that previous government. Thanks for not disappointing me. 

 

But you are right about one thing unfortunately about the junta being untouchable. I feel this a bad policy and the TDRI called it perfect. Just like they did before IMHO, too bad that the effect is not the same as you pointed out. 

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute

Must be moved at inactive post.

21 hours ago, webfact said:

the move will benefit the businesses at a cost to the taxpayers of around 24 billion baht.

 

21 hours ago, webfact said:

delay payments by the three mobile operators in the hope that they will then participate in the bidding for the 700MHz and 2600MHz bands to enable roll out of 5G technology in Thailand

If that doesn't happen (there's only "hope" and nothing legal to compel the businesses to participate), how about the military refund the 24 billion baht back to the Thai treasury out of its own personal assets?