Five digital TV channels that missed the third auction fee instalment on May 23 have agreed to make the payment as a way of proving their commitment to driving the industry forward.
The five channels are One, PPTV, Thairath TV, GMM25 and Bright TV.
After a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Kruengarm last week, the five, which are part of a group of eight digital TV channels that filed a court injunction to delay the payment, have changed their stance.
"We should follow the regulations to set the same standard for all operators and wipe out any controversy," said Kematat Paladesh, president of PPTV.
The five will clear their delayed payments with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) this week. Thairath TV and Grammy's One and GMM25 paid their auction fees yesterday.
Mr Kematat said the combined auction fees for the five amount to 2.23 billion baht, including a 7.5% interest charge. He expressed hope the regulator would facilitate a smoother transition for digital TV operators and treat them equally.
"We believe the NBTC will respond to our needs if we follow the rules and pay the fees," he said.
The five said they will reserve their rights if the court rules in their favour.
In related news, the NBTC expects the analogue TV switch-off will be complete by 2018.