The four are Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom and three PM's Office ministers: Dhipavadee Meksawan, Prasith Kowilaikul and Thirapat Serirangsan.

The state-sponsored plan to merge the National Telecom-munications Commission (NTC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is in line with the convergence of telecom and broadcasting technologies.

Moreover, it is aimed at clearing the stumbling block faced by the two industries in the absence of the NBC.

The Frequency Allocation Act mandates that both watchdogs jointly award new frequency licences and prescribe their use.

But in November 2005, the Central Administrative Court ordered the nullification of the process used to select 14 candidates for the NBC, citing its unconstitutionality.

The absence of an NBC has caused the NTC to hesitate from issuing new frequency licences to telecom operators.

As a result, the National Legislative Assembly has initiated amendments to both the Frequency Allocation Act and

the Telecom Act that would

pave the way for the NTC-NBC merger.

The assembly's subcommittee finished public hearings on the amendments last month.

The Frequency Allocation Act stipulates the establishment of the NTC and the NBC, while the Telecom Act defines the NTC's roles and authority.

The committee for the Radio and Television Broadcasting

Act also held its first public hearing on the draft law yester-

day.

The law is to be used during the NBC's absence.

The drafting of the Act is expected to be completed in the next six or seven months.

The draft law covers 10 sections, the first covering licensing for radio and television companies.

Other issues include whether licences should be issued at the national, regional or provincial level, the maximum shareholding ratio of the licensed companies' shareholders and regulations to control cross-media ownership and prevent monopolies.