TELECOM

Abhisit assures SingTel of fair practices

By The Nation

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) senior executives today had a discussion with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, whereby they thanked the Thai premier for his attention to the developments in the telecommunications industry and his assurance that there will be fair treatment for all operators.

The executives were led by Group Chief Executive Officer, Chua Sock Koong. Accompanying was Allen Lew, SingTel CEO Singapore.

Abhisit told SingTel executives that the government needs to follow the laws. He told reporters later that the executives understood Thailand's standpoint and wanted to pursue business in Thailand.

After the meeting of the prime minister and SingTel executives, the Cabinet approved the ICT Ministry's proposal to set up a committee to negotiate with Advanced Info Service, TrueMove, and Total Access Communication for the resumption of original concessions, according to Information and Communications Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh.

The committee will submit the result for the Cabinet's resolution within 15 days.

In a statement, SingTel did not reveal whether there was a discussion over the future of Advanced Info Service Plc, a Thai telecom company in which SingTel has been a long-term strategic investor since 1999. AIS is now facing a threat to pay damage claims worth Bt73 billion to the telecom authorities.

In addition to AIS, SingTel's subsidiaries and associates include Optus in Australia, Globe Telecom in the Philippines, India's Bharti Airtel and PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel) of Indonesia.

Temasek Holdings, which holds a majority stake in Shin Corp - the parent company of AIS - is a major shareholder in SingTel.

-- The Nation 2011-02-01

I wonder if Temasek is happier dealing direct with the Govt than with Thaksin on the previous debacle. It is a wonder they even came back to Thailand.