Thai Telecom Official Sentenced Over TrueID Media Controversy

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A top official from Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Professor Pirongrong Ramasoota, has been sentenced to two years in prison. She was found guilty today by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases for misusing her office in a case involving TrueID, a popular over-the-top (OTT) media platform.

 

The case originated in 2023 when complaints arose about TrueID allegedly showing ads on digital TV programs, banned on other platforms. As the head of an NBTC subcommittee, Pirongrong sent out compliance reminders to all digital TV licensees. However, TrueID, not holding a license, did not receive a warning, raising fears that broadcasters might stop offering content via TrueID, which could damage its business.

 

The NBTC defended the move, citing it as necessary under the "Must Carry" principle to protect consumers, insisting there was no bias against TrueID. The court disagreed, stating that OTT services do not need an NBTC license, making the subcommittee's notice unfair and damaging to TrueID.

 

 

Although TrueID's previous attempt to suspend Pirongrong in April 2023 was denied, today’s ruling now holds her accountable. This verdict has put the spotlight on the NBTC’s practices, sparking discussions about fair regulation in Thailand's growing digital media scene.

 

TrueID argues that the absence of specific regulations for OTT platforms led to reputational and financial harm due to the NBTC's actions. They claimed the notification endangered their business by potentially halting content streaming from licensed broadcasters.

 

Despite a May 2024 motion by True Digital Group to suspend Pirongrong during the lawsuit, it was dismissed, citing insufficient evidence of bias. With this recent development, it calls for a reassessment of the rules governing new-age media platforms in Thailand.

 

-- 2025-02-06