Thailand’s leading operator AIS has appointed Somchai Lertsutiwong as its new CEO.
Currently the company’s chief marketing officeR, he will replace Wichian Mektrakarn, who is retiring early, as of 1 July. Mektrakarn will remain as a…
Thailand’s leading operator AIS has appointed Somchai Lertsutiwong as its new CEO.
Currently the company’s chief marketing officeR, he will replace Wichian Mektrakarn, who is retiring early, as of 1 July. Mektrakarn will remain as a director.
Lertsutiwong’s appointment comes as the Thai telecoms sector is increasingly affected by the political situation in the country.
A few days ago, the military council now ruling Thailand allegedly requested to put an upcoming 4G auction on ice in order to finalise the details of the process and ensure transparency.
AIS, in which SingTel has a 20% stake, is reportedly the only mobile player that has yet to launch 4G services. Analysts believe the delay should not significantly affect operators in the near term but would increase uncertainty.
There are also plans to review foreign ownership of operators looking to take part in the auction, according to reports. In early June, number three True Corp said it would sell an 18% stake in itself to China Mobile for US$880m.
The country’s second-largest telco, Dtac, is partly owned by Norway’s Telenor. TOT and CAT Telecom, number four and five, respectively, are both state-owned.
