Consumers losers in a protectionist game
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I share the frustration of many people over the very low level of competition for the 3G slots in the just-ended auction. But anytime we set the rules of the game so that the number of potential bidders is apt to equal the number of prizes, and the prizes
To maximise the benefit to consumers, we must have robust competition, but instead of opening the door wide to anybody with the capital and expertise needed, the NBTC tightened restrictions on foreign involvement. It thus shut out everybody but the three main local candidates.
We should learn from our auto industry, where we welcomed foreign involvement, making Thailand one of the largest auto producers in the world – as opposed to, say, Malaysia’s protectionism, which has curtailed car development there.
Make investment in telecoms nationality-blind, as our auto industry does, while rigorously protecting against anything that might harm the national interest – regardless of the nationality of the person or company perpetrating those acts. It is gross folly to believe that only non-Thais can act against our interests. Who do you think fill our jails to overflowing?
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok
