IN BRIEF
Deputy PM to rule on iTV
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday said he had empowered his deputy Pridiyathorn Devakula to make a decision on the dispute over iTV's unpaid fees.
When asked what the government would do if iTV failed to meet the deadline, Surayud said Pridiyathorn would make a final decision with the permanent secretary for the PM's Office. If Pridiyathorn felt the issue needed a Cabinet ruling, then that was where the matter would go, Surayud said. On Tuesday, iTV chairman Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisal sought provisional protection from the Central Administrative Court, claiming the Bt100-billion payment demand was unfair and in breach of the contract. The court ruled that the PM's office had the right to annul the contract and force iTV to pay the Bt2.21 billion concession fee within 30 days. - The Nation
Lottery bill A draft bill legitimising the government's two- and three-digit lotteries will be submitted next week to the Cabinet screening committee. It would prohibit the sale of tickets to anyone under 18 and at locations near educational facilities. It also sets aside proceeds for student scholarships and foundations promoting virtuousness. - The Nation
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