Thailand’s NBTC mulls supervision of OTT platforms for fair telecoms

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is weighing the potential regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in Thailand to create a level playing field and ensure equal treatment in the telecom sector.

Despite major foreign OTT platform providers having established operations offices in Thailand and adhering to value-added tax (VAT) payment rules, the regulator is contemplating whether these operators should pay additional fees to benefit the country’s economy.

NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck indicated that the regulator may explore a regulatory framework for OTT players’ use of local telecom operators’ networks, particularly mobile phone operators. However, he emphasised that the framework would need careful implementation and require extensive discussion and…