Thai telecom regulator worried about True-Dtac tie-up but cannot prevent it

[webfact]

 

Thailand’s telecom regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has voiced concern that the merger of two telecom companies, True and Dtac, may lead to price collusion over service fees and spectrum auction bidding in the future.

 

NBTC Commissioner Prawit Leesathapornwongsa who expressed concern after a meeting with representatives from Dtac about the potential merger yesterday, admitted that the regulator has no power to stop the merger, but could issue certain regulations.

 

He said the NBTC will hold discussions with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the market regulator, and the Trade Competition Commission (TCC) over how to deal with the concerns and any new entity which may emerge as a result of the merger.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-telecom-regulator-worried-about-true-dtac-tie-up-but-cannot-prevent-it/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-11-23

 

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[fangless]

1 minute ago, webfact said:

admitted that the regulator has no power to stop the merger, but could issue certain regulations.

When is a "regulator" not a "regulator"? Answer-In Thailand!

So what is their function?

 

[ThailandRyan]

Another Monoply is born just like the CP group......billionaires to make more money and prices to increase to pay for the merger.  Wonder how many people will be laid off as being redundant.

[JimHuaHin]

Yet another CP monopoly coming.   How long before Thailand is renamed CPland?

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s telecom regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has voiced concern that the merger of two telecom companies, True and Dtac, may lead to price collusion over service fees and spectrum auction bidding in the future.

It's a done deal,  already sorted out behind closed doors as to how it will work after the merger.

 

Edited November 23, 2021 by hotchilli

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, fangless said:

When is a "regulator" not a "regulator"? Answer-In Thailand!

So what is their function?

 

Just take the salary and look interested?

Like many top positions in Thailand.

Edited November 23, 2021 by hotchilli

[Burma Bill]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

and any new entity which may emerge

Interesting, TRUE'S parent organization is the CP Group but:-

 

True Corp. is the telecommunications arm of Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, which holds a more than 50% stake

China's top mobile carrier China Mobile acquired an 18% stake in the company and became its second-largest shareholder after CP Group.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Companies/True-Corp.-Public-Co.-Ltd

 

DTAC's parent company is Telenor (Norwegian) which was a major provider in Burma. 

 

The Norwegian telecoms company Telenor said yesterday that it has agreed to the sale of its operations in Myanmar to the M1 Group, a Beirut-based investment firm, for $105 million.

https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/norways-telenor-sells-myanmar-telecoms-operation-to-lebanese-firm/

Edited November 23, 2021 by Burma Bill
additional information

[Cake Monster]

7 hours ago, fangless said:

When is a "regulator" not a "regulator"? Answer-In Thailand!

So what is their function?

 

Probably the same as many other committees and organizations.

There function is to hold meetings about Jack, and then eat massive Lunches.

[brucegoniners]

Aren't there laws against monopolies here?

[jcmj]

Hello Thaskin. Are you listening to this?????????????

[Venom]

I believe the correct term is regulatory capture. 

[DefaultName]

A government agency not having the legal power to do something doesn't usually stop them.  Perhaps it's different when they tackle the big boys.

[ThailandRyan]

Wait was'nt, Thaksin and his government overthrown because of something similar he was trying to do.  Was'nt he charged for a telecom issue.  Am I confused here or what.....