DATELINE BANGKOK

Policy U-turn needs careful consideration

Khao Sod Editorial - Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Phokaiyaudom has raised several eyebrows by suggesting that TOT and CAT Telecom be reverted to state enterprises. This represents a policy U-turn that must be considered carefully.

According to Minister Sitthichai, TOT and CAT Telecom can serve the public better as state enterprises because part of their revenues is returned to the state. He also wants to reduce the power of the National Telecommunications Commission.

His proposal is similar to the outcome of an academic study into the telecommunication industry under the previous government. It noted that there was a conflict of interest because giant telecommunication companies had a voice in the government.

Because of this conflict of interest, there was overlapping of telecommunication networks which were concentrated in urban areas. This despite the presence of state enterprises that can provide these services through their cable, fibre optic, microwave and satellite linkages.

Although Minister Sitthichai's idea is supported by the academic study and Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, we think the matter should be subject to further debate.

For a start, the reversion of TOT and CAT Telecom to state enterprises is against the global trend for decentralisation of state power. It should not be pushed for implementation without careful consideration. In our opinion, the policy change must bring about real benefits for users and the country. Any negative fallout must be manageable, otherwise it will be tantamount to double failure.

Bangkok Post

Friday April 06, 2007