2,000 stations registered

The NTC working panel will next open for the registration of community radio stations in Khon Kaen on Tuesday and Hat Yai on Thursday.

Overall it expects that about 4,000 of the country's estimated 5,000 stations will register.

Having completed the regulations governing community radio stations' operations, the NTC is asking all stations to register to show they agree to operate under the new regime, which is expected to take effect soon.

After registration, they can broadcast on a trial basis for 300 days to check for the possibility of frequency jamming. After the trial period, each will be awarded a one-year licence, which costs Bt500.

The NTC will not, however, award licences to stations that operate on a commercial basis, estimated at about 500 nationwide.  However, the registration panel is facing opposition from a group of local radio and TV broadcasters that does not want its members to register with the NTC.

It wants to wait for the new regulator - the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission - to be set up and draw up comprehensive industry regulations. Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the working panel, said he would consult with the NTC's radio and TV broadcasting subcommittee today on how to solve the  problem.