Ex-boss of BEC says ThaiTV3 has what it takes to prosper

He made the remark in his first interview with the press after resigning as managing director of BEC, the operator of ThaiTV3, early this month,
Pravit, 66, a prominent member of the Maleenont family, revealed that he had planned to resign from the post since eight years ago when he underwent heart bypass surgery. But after ThaiTV3 kicked off the “Krob Krua Kao” project, he knew it could create long-term benefits. Therefore he dropped his plan to resign, and then supported the project until this year, when he finally found the time to take a proper rest.
Although Pravit has resigned as managing director, he remains an executive director of BEC World and a director of its subsidiaries. While the company seeks a new boss, Prasan Maleenont, vice chairman of the executive board of BEC, will take care of this post.
 “‘Krob Krua Khao’ is considered as the flagship news programme at ThaiTV3 that can attract viewers as well as advertising revenue,” Pravit said.
“Krob Krua Khao” is a news talk show that runs several times a day. Initially it was to cover two hours daily, but now spans up to 12 hours a day.
Apart from news programmes, entertainment content such as drama, game and variety shows became more serious issues for Pravit, so his company launched the “Krob Krua Banterng” project last year to improve the quality of shows and attract more revenue.
Given its highly experienced management teams and long-term business partners including Search Entertainment and Broadcast Thai Television, ThaiTV3 could be developed into an entertainment TV channel for the whole family. “We aim at to be Thailand’s Disney or Hallmark channel in the future,” he said.
Pravit said the channel would focus on sports content under the “Krob Krua Keela” banner. The company plans to acquire the rights to broadcast sports events when it can, and to partner with key holders of the right to broadcast world-class sports tournaments.
For instance, this year ThaiTV3 partnered with GMM Grammy for the Union of European Football Associations’ Euro 2012, with the TV pool for the recent Olympic Games in London, and with TrueVisions for English Premier League soccer matches.
In addition, ThaiTV3 is seeking talented people such as music and song composers and singers to support its drama productions, concerts and on-ground activities in line with supporting the new generation of creative-content producers.
Asked about who should be the new managing director of ThaiTV3, Pravit said the leader should be selected from inside the company, because the current management team is very strong and smart. Running the business with an acting leader should be a temporary measure.