Thai PM Endorses the Power of Pay-TV

 

January 26, 2011

CASBAA’s Thailand in View forum, organised in association with the Satellite Television Association of Thailand, concluded on Thursday, January 20, 2011 with an endorsement of the power of pay-TV by H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand.

 

The Prime Minister opened the conference examining 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.

           

“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.”

 

Speakers agreed that for the phenomenal growth to continue, and for the industry to thrive, ethical business practices and increased transparency were needed to drive local and international investment.

 

Among issues highlighted during the meeting was the need for a valid licensing process for pay-TV operators and in the appointment of members to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. The timely formation of a knowledgeable and responsible NBTC will be crucial.

 

Industry and government commitments to intellectual property rights were another key concern that will directly affect the future of video distribution in Thailand. 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.

 

However, the opportunities for growth are still tremendous. With the goal of full monetisation of the subscriber base, cable and satellite TV penetration currently sits at roughly 50% of all television households in Thailand and is expected to grow rapidly under the right conditions. 

 

“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.”