Dhipavadee Upbeat To Clear The iTV Concession Case

[Jai Dee]

Dhipavadee upbeat to clear the iTV concession case

PM's Office Minister Dhipavadee Meksawan voiced optimism on Friday that she could justify the Cabinet resolutions relating to the conversion of the iTV concession into state-run station in light of a graft investigation on abuse of authority.

"Before taking any actions, the government factored in legal advises from relevant agencies and was obliged to abide by an injunction of the Central Administrative Court to keep on broadcasting during the concession conversion," she said.

The Office of the Attorney General, the Finance Ministry, the PM's Office which oversees the concession, the Comptroller General's Office and several top legal advisers vetted every step of the conversion procedures and backed each decision, she said.

The National Counter Corruption Commission decided to look into the matter on Thursday and formed a panel led by NCCC member Klanarong Chantik to determine whether foul play existed.

The Klanarong panel is expected to focus on a central allegation that the government unfairly retained iTV employees following the concession conversion without granting access for other applicants to get the job.

The panel has singled out Dhipavadee, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, PM's Office permanent secretary Julayuth Hiranyavisith and government's Public Relations Department director general Pramoj Rathavinij from probe.

Source: The Nation - 26 October 2007

More background information can be found on the iTV concession case in this thread.

[Jai Dee]

Khunying Dhipavadee confident she can clarify allegations concerning ITV case

Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan (คุณหญิงทิพาวดี เมฆสวรรค์), expresses her confidence that she can clear charges filed against her in the case of ITV television station by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

Apart from Khunying Dhipavadee, NCCC set up a subcommittee to investigate Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office Julayuth Hiranyawasit (จุลยุทธ หิรัญยวสิต), and Director-General of the Public Relations Department (PRD) Pramote Ratvinij (ปราโมช รัฐวินิจ). The four people were alleged of violating regulations on fair competition in the government’s concession contracts.

Khunying Dhipavadee says the government’s contract with ITV strictly abides by laws and it was approved by the Cabinet. She adds that the government has evidences to explain the allegations.

The PRD director-general will explain issues concerning fair competition in the government’s concession contracts, says the minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Update:

ITV verdict to be announced today

The Supreme Administrative Court to announce the verdict on the case of ITV television station and the Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Office today.

The Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Office filed lawsuits against ITV due to the latter’s violations to a contract on the operation of UHF television network. According to the secretariat, the television station had not paid concession fees and adjusted program schedules without consulting the secretariat.

In addition, ITV did not hand all of its assets to the secretariat after the contract had been revoked.

The panel of judges is scheduled to read the verdict at 10.30 hrs at the office of the Supreme Administration Court.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 December 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme court dismisses iTV case

The Supreme Administrative Court on Wednesday dismissed the filing of the Prime Minister's Office to claim for the penalty and damages against iTV Plc worth over Bt100 billion. The ruling reaffirmed the verdict of the Central Administrative Court.

The court also ordered both parties to settle the disputes in the arbitration process.

Source: The Nation - 19 December 2007