THE NATIONAL Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission might seek Bt1.63 billion from Bangkok Bank under |the bank’s guarantee to Thai TV Co if the company fails to pay the second instalment of its upfront licence fee and annual fee by tomorrow.
"If Thai TV Co still refuses to pay the expenses by the deadline, it must be put on the blacklist. The broadcasting committee will also send an official written notice to claim the bank guarantee to Bangkok Bank," Sombat Leelapata, acting deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, said yesterday. Thai TV's two TV licences were suspended for a 30-day period, which ends tomorrow, while it looks for a partner to cover its liabilities and related expenses.
Bangkok Bank had issued the financial instrument on behalf of Thai TV Co - the holder of two digital-TV licences for the Thai TV news station and MVTV Family channel.
If Thai TV were blacklisted, it would be banned from any broadcasting activities.
The total value of the bank |guarantee is Bt1.63 billion, while Thai TV must pay addition|al expenses related to its breach |of the law, including annual |licence fees and a daily fine of Bt60,000.
Last year, Thai TV Co decided to give up its digital-TV business as of last month by refusing to pay the second instalment of the upfront fees, amounting to Bt288 million for the two licences.
The company also failed to pay its annual licence fee, which is about 2 per cent of revenue.
A legal adviser for Thai TV Co yesterday petitioned the Central Administrative Court to strike down the NBTC's order and demand for damages.