Trial over Euro 2012 dispute continues

In a move to protect consumers’ right to watch free TV and demanding a compensation of Bt1,590 per head for those affected, the plaintiffs are also asking for a court order for a disclosure of the concession contracts, especially those between Channel 3 and the MCOT.
The dispute between Grammy, the sole holder of broadcast rights for Euro 2012 matches in Thailand, and cableTV operator TrueVisions resulted in people being unable to watch free TV channels via the True platform during the live games. Only those who bought the Bt1,590 GMMZ signal box were able to unscramble the signal.
The Foundation for Consumers, which had earlier campaigned for a boycott of Grammy’s products, also issued a statement explaining their move. The statement said the plaintiffs, wishing to act on behalf of 11 million households whose basic right to watch free TV via satellite devices was violated, had to file this lawsuit because the Consumer Case Procedure Act BE 2551 did not allow them to sue on behalf of consumers. The foundation can file cases with the Administrative Court or on behalf of consumers in relation to the Liability for Damages Arising from Unsafe Products Act BE 2551.
Saying that the protection of broadcast rights should not violate consumers’ right to access information, the statement said that Grammy had done this to make profit from selling GMMZ boxes. It added that at least 800,000 boxes worth Bt1.272 billion had already been sold, not to mention the money earned from sponsors, advertisers etc.
The statement also cited that from June 8 until the lawsuit was filed on June 24, they had campaigned for related agencies, including 302 consumer rights organisations, to perform their duty by helping the public have access to free TV services. The foundation has also tried to discuss this matter and submitted two letters demanding solution with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.