The NBTC appeared to join the deal with ‘True-DTAC’, issued a statement calling for three items before the ‘NBTC’ decision on Thursday, October 20
19 Oct. 2022 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a statement on the case of a telecommunication merger between companies. True Corporation and DTAC stated that according to the announcement of the merger in the telecommunication business between True Corporation Public Company Limited (True) and Total Access Communication Channel Public Company Limited (DTAC) resulted in objections from academics. Consumer Organization Council and consumer corporate networks With concerns about the impact on competitive efficiency and market dominance in the telecom business significantly Plus, mergers and acquisitions could affect consumer choices. leading to the problem of digital inequality and unfair service prices by the Broadcasting Committee television business and the National Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will consider whether to allow the merger or not on October 20, 2022.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has the duties and statutory powers to investigate human rights violations. promote respect for human rights Prepare a human rights situation assessment report. as well as making recommendations to the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and relevant agencies. to prevent and solve human rights violations has continuously monitored the movement of True and DTAC’s telecommunication merger In addition, the network of slums in 4 regions and representatives of the Consumer Organizations Council submitted a complaint to the NHRC on October 17, 2022.
The NHRC sees that telecommunication services are fundamental services in the lives of consumers in the present era. The merger of the two telecommunication companies which is the same type of business may be considered a monopoly and dominate the market causing consumers to lack choice or have fewer choices especially vulnerable or marginalized consumers who live in remote areas There are barriers to accessing telecommunication services. (Internet and mobile phone signals) and already have low income. may incur higher rates of service which may affect the basic human rights of the people For this reason, the NHRCT has made recommendations for the consideration of the merger of the two telecommunication companies as follows:
1. to seize the best interests of the people and public interest under Section 60 paragraph two, Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560 (2017)
2. Request to disclose the results of the study of independent foreign consultants that the Office of the NBTC has hired to study the impact of the business merger between True and DTAC to the public. and take the results of the study into consideration as well
and 3. Ask for a broader public hearing from people who may be affected by the merger. including the Consumer Organization Council which is a constitutional organization
In this regard, in order to operate the telecommunication business in a manner with good governance able to compete freely No monopoly on power over the market to protect the rights of the people and consumers This will affect the development of the economy and society in a fair and sustainable way.