Government Denies MCOT-Thai PBS Merger Plan
The government denied reports of a merger between MCOT and Thai PBS, citing different corporate structures and legal restrictions that would prevent such a combination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas has dismissed reports of a merger between state broadcaster MCOT and Thai PBS, stating he has never seen a formal merger proposal from responsible agencies.
Thibodee Watanakul, director of the Office of the State Enterprise Policy Committee, said that a committee meeting on September 17 approved rehabilitation and efficiency plans for eight state enterprises, including MCOT. However, details cannot be disclosed because MCOT is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and premature disclosure before cabinet approval could affect shareholders and violate securities laws.
"The State Enterprise Policy Committee did not propose merging MCOT and Thai PBS as reported, because both organizations have different structures and corporate cultures, and there are legal restrictions that prevent such a merger," Watanakul said. He added that Thai PBS already operates independently and flexibly in its role as a public broadcaster, and that the committee is unaware of the source of the merger rumors.
The committee plans to issue a detailed statement about MCOT's improvement and efficiency measures after cabinet approval. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for consideration next week to clarify the operational approach and benefits for MCOT.
