Some digital TV operators have expressed their opposition to the proposal to allow cash-strapped players to return digital licences to the regulator, saying it would hurt the entire TV industry.
The proposal was made at Wednesday's meeting between the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and various digital TV operators.
Apart from the licence issue, the NBTC agreed to push for fixed channel numbering, speedy distribution of the remaining subsidy coupons and wider use and acceptance of multiple TV ratings systems. It also vowed to reduce expenses caused by the must-carry rule.
RS Plc, led by chief executive Surachai Chetchotisak, said digital operators knew the rules before bidding on licences and should have realised they might face business uncertainties.
"I think digital TV operators should not have proposed that the national regulator let them return their licences and not pay the remaining auction fees when they want to throw in the towel," Mr Surachai said. "This will damage the whole TV industry and also the government."
He said he understood that many operators had struggled, but if the NBTC accepted the request to change the rules so easily, it would set a bad precedent.
"It's not fair for everyone," Mr Surachai said. "The NBTC should find other ways to help them without changing the rules and regulations, which were imposed before the digital TV auctions."
RS runs Channel 8, which ranks fourth in viewership behind Channel 7, Channel 3 and Workpoint TV.
Chalakorn Panyashom, executive vice-president of Workpoint Entertainment Plc, said the NBTC should weigh the national interest against the needs of a few business operators.
"The NBTC can help them in many ways such as helping to create public awareness for digital channels or reducing expenses caused by the must-carry rule," he said.
Navamin Prasopnet, chief marketing officer at Mono Technology Plc, operator of the Mono 29 channel, said allowing cash-strapped operators to return their licences without paying the remaining auction fees would unfairly penalise Mono, which had paid its fees on time.
"If such a rule change is made, the regulator must compensate us for opportunity losses," he said.
Nr Navamin said the NBTC should think about the disadvantage of allowing operators to return the licences without paying their fees, as the state would lose a large sum of money earmarked for development.
An NBTC working committee has met three times with 24 digital TV operators to discuss ways to help them deal with financial difficulties.
The operators blame the regulator for failing to facilitate the smooth transition to digital TV. They proposed 10 topics for the working panel to consider.
Five topics have been settled by the two sides and will be presented to the NBTC's broadcasting committee for further consideration next Monday.
If endorsed by the panel, the proposal will be presented to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for final approval.