Telecom chess match tightens: AIS acquisition of Triple T Broadband puts more pressure on the regulator as it decides on True-DTAC merger, with the sector becoming a duopoly. Last week’s announcement by Advanced Info Service (AIS) on its proposal to acquire fixed broadband provider Triple T Broadband (TTTBB) is expected to complicate the telecom regulator’s decision on the fate of the merger between AIS’s mobile rivals True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC). Bangkok Post
Transport Ministry to propose Bt29b 2nd phase dual-track rails Kornkaen-Nongkai to cabinet this August, to speed up another 7 projects worth Bt155b.
Two panels vote against True-DTAC merger deal: At least two out of the four subcommittees set up by the telecom regulator to assess the impact of the planned merger of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC) voted against the deal, according to a source close to the regulator’s board. Bangkok Post
EEC panel endorses new smart city in Chon Buri: The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, yesterday greenlighted the new smart city development covering a 15,000-rai plot of land in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, 15 kilometres from Utapao airport. According to Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, the new smart city is estimated to draw 1.34 trillion baht’s worth of investment over 10 years, creating 200,000 new jobs, more than 1.2 trillion baht’s worth of employment value and contribute 2 trillion baht over 10 years. Bangkok Post
Tourism authority expects 3.7m domestic travelers during state agencies long holidays (Jul 13-17), average OCC >53%, Bt14.33b revenue gen during period
EV board in talk with Energy Policy & Planning Office (EPPO) and BOI to roll out incentive package for EV charging operators & charging platform to promote charging infra expansion. EV board to launch e-auction for 54 EV-bus & operator under Bt800m budget for state enterprise, Transport Co ltd, in 2H, target first lot delivery in January.
Cooking palm oil price will be reduced by Bt4-5/bottle from current Bt69-70 effective today, further cut is expected next week after old inventories dropped, Department of Internal Trade (DIT).
PTT to give Oil Fund B3bn boost: National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc has decided to allocate 3 billion baht to the fast-dwindling Oil Fuel Fund, following its months-long support of the diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price subsidy programmes. Bangkok Post
Businesses demanding half a million more migrant workers: More than 500,000 additional foreign workers are needed to support agricultural product processing and food industries for export, construction, tourism and services, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Bangkok Post
SEC hardens funding rules for operators: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has tightened regulations regarding capital requirements for digital asset operators to ensure they have sufficient funds to support their operations, enhance the market’s credibility and flexibility, as well as improve investor protection. Bangkok Post
