What Thailand can learn about telecom mergers from developed countries

13 Sept 23:37 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's proposed merger between True Corporation and Dtac, which would reduce major mobile operators from three to two, has ignited a fierce debate regarding its potential impact on competition and consumers.
An OECD review of 18 studies on telecom mergers in developed countries (primarily 4-to-3 scenarios) found inconclusive results on short-term price effects but suggested long-term benefits to consumer welfare through increased investment.
The review identified critical factors for evaluating merger effects, including static price impacts, qualitative measures like capital expenditures and service quality investments, the evaluation timeframe, and the specific regulatory environment.
Critics in Thailand express concerns over reduced competition, warn against 'gun-jumping' practices (pre-merger coordination), and question the merger's stated reasons, noting that developed countries typically do not allow mergers that result in only two dominant players.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.