Reform assembly passes NBTC bill

[webfact]

Reform assembly passes NBTC bill



BANGKOK: -- The National Reform Steering Assembly today (Monday) endorsed the new National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) bill by 128 votes in favour against 11 votes with 17 abstentions.

The bill which was criticized by analysts of helping big business instead of civil society will then be sent to the cabinet for consideration.

Thailand Development Research Institute president Somkiat Tangkitvanich earlier said that the bill was not meant to address problems of NBTC such as good governance, transparency of public participation and accountability. Also, there is no guarantee of that broadcast and telecommunications frequencies will be used efficiently, he said.

Under the bill, NBTC will be the sole broadcast and telecommunications regulator.

Several NRSA members voiced their objection against the bill during a debate in the parliament today. Kamnoon Sitthisamarn said the bill was illegal because the NBTC is not an independent organization but a state agency.

Mr Alongkorn Polabutr, vice president of the NRSA who chaired the meeting cut short the debate saying that members who oppose the bill could take their issues to the scrutinizing committee.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/147136


-- Thai PBS 2016-01-19

[Oziex1]

So those who opposed, effectively have no voice.

[Srikcir]

Just one more step to allow the government to dictate content on public airwaves.

No doubt this bill will be forwarded by the PM to the junta-rubberstamp NLA for final approval.