Thai PM endorses the power of pay TV at CASBAA conference

At the opening speech of the conference, the prime minister of Thailand H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva examined the opportunities and challenges affecting the broadcasting sector by championing regulatory change to support the growth of the cable and satellite broadcast industry as a constructive and ethical medium in Thailand.

“While the internet continues to grow and offers a vast data base of virtually all types of online information, cable and satellite televisions in my view have a more direct impact on viewers in all parts of the world, especially with programmes that independently offer news and opinions from different angles and perspectives. Together with the internet, I would say that cable and satellite televisions are very powerful tools for opinion-makers in the 21st century,” he said in his speech.

He said that compared with those in other countries, Thailand’s cable and satellite television industry in Thailand is quite young. Though booming with estimated 9.8 million consumer households, cable and satellite TV penetration currently sits at roughly 50 per cent of all television households in Thailand and is expected to grow rapidly under the right conditions.

“Hence, we need to put in place broadcasting laws that will ensure fairness and proper regulatory measures. Satellite television, in particular, is a case in point,” he said.
                
“We were greatly encouraged to hear H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva’s whole-hearted support of the growth of cable and satellite TV in Thailand,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. “Even though there remain grey market practices, we are on the right track to creating an environment to foster the future expansion of this dynamic market.”
  
Among issues highlighted during the forum was the need for a valid licensing process for pay TV operators and the formation of a knowledgeable National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.

With estimated losses in the range of US$241 million due to pay TV signal theft in 2010, Thailand is second only to India in terms of revenue leakage in Asia. Thus, intellectual property rights were also another key concern, that will directly affect the future of video distribution in Thailand.
 
“Thailand in View offered an exceptional forum for stakeholders in the country’s broadcasting industry to share their views on the market,” continued Twiston Davies. “It is the goal of CASBAA to continue to provide events and publications where our members can access the information they need to optimise local and international investment in Asia.”