NBTC bans imports of Galaxy Note 7 problem lots
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NBTC bans imports of Galaxy Note 7 problem lots

A Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 7 new smartphone is displayed at its store in Seoul, South Korea, on Sept 2, 2016. (Reuters photo)
A Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 7 new smartphone is displayed at its store in Seoul, South Korea, on Sept 2, 2016. (Reuters photo)

The telecom regulator has banned the imports of the problem lots of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following reports of fire-prone battery.

After a probe, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)  found such units have not been imported into Thailand, said secretary-general Takorn Tantasit.

To ensure safety for users, the regulator sent a letter to Thai Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Monday banning the imports of the recalled lots, he said.

The company is the applicant for standard certificates for telecommunication devices and equipment with the NBTC.

"After this, the company may import the newly produced lots but it needs to submit additional electric safety standard test results," he said.

The NBTC will also coordinate with the Thai Industrial Standard Institute to further check the units to ensure quality and safety.

On Saturday, Samsung Electronics said in a statement sales of Galaxy Note 7 in Thailand, including delivery to pre-booking customers, will all be from newly produced lots.

"Pre-booking customers can also be assured that they will receive a newly-produced unit before the sales begin in Thailand," it said.

Samsung originally scheduled its Thai launch on Sept 9 and started accepting pre-bookings for the flagship model on Aug 9. Following the worldwide recall, the Thai launch date has been suspended indefinitely.

The company declined to reveal the number of prebookings in Thailand but said it was 30-40% higher than its predecessor Note 6's. 

Worldwide, the South Korean company has sold 2.5 million units of Note 7, which are being replaced.

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