Subject: RAST News #149 - Thailand applies for CEPT participation.
Dear Member,
 
PTD informed RAST yesterday that The International Services Division has written to the ERO (European Radio Organisation - CEPT Secretariat) on 17th August 2004. The letter expresses Thailand's desire to join the CEPT recommendations TR6101 and TR6102, and explains Thailand's current system and asks for CEPT advice on how this can be accommodated or integrated into the agreement. (The CEPT licensing agreement does permit deviations for Non-CEPT countries and this is covered by putting a footnote in the list of countries signing to the agreement.) The ERO has already responded to PTD and has given some advice and suggestions. They indicate that the application will be considered at the next council of the CEPT. I don't know the date of this at the moment, but the CEPT Council meet twice a year.
 
If successful this will mean that Thailand will have in effect reciprocal agreements with almost 60 countries, mainly in Europe.
 
Members may wish to know the background to this move by PTD and RASTs involvement. Please see below a report to the RAST committee on this subject. If any member would like to see copies of the correspondence/documentation please let me know.
 
 

REPORT ON MEETING BETWEEN RAST AND PTD ON CEPT 6TH July 2004

 

 

1.       Background. PTD have been considering joining the common licensing aspects of CEPT since the Danish IT Ministry wrote to the Director General several months ago. (Note - The Danish IT Ministry and PTT refused to enter into negotiations with Thailand on a bilateral agreement and instead suggested to PTD that Thailand should join CEPT). Each department has been exploring the advantages and disadvantages of joining the scheme, and how the Thai laws and regulations would affect joining the recommendation.

 

2.       Ray Gerrard (Vice President) and Major Narissara (Committee Member) represented RAST at the meeting, which was chaired by Khun Wojana (Director International) on behalf of the Deputy Director. Representatives from the major departments were represented I.e. Legal, Licensing, Engineering, and International relations. The main purpose of the meeting was for PTD to hear RASTs view of the CEPT issue.

 

3.       RAST had prepared a Powerpoint presentation for the meeting and had sent various supporting documents in advance. RASTs presented its case supporting Thailand joining the CEPT Recommendations. (Please see attached)

 

4.       There was a great deal of discussion and concern by PTD as to whether Thailand could comply with CEPT recommendations under present regulations. RAST pointed out that CEPT could accept deviations, and it was best to apply stating the present situation and CEPT would say whether the deviations were acceptable or not.

 

5.       The Chairman was concerned how many citizens would benefit, considering the amount of legal and administrative changes that would have to be made to comply with the regulations.

 

6.       PTD also were concerned that the Cabinet and/or foreign office would still have to approve an agreement with each country. Therefore there may be little advantage over the present scheme.

 

7.       It was noted by PTD that to comply with CEPT recommendations they may have to offer more than 5 out of the 20 amateur radio bands assigned by ITU. They would discuss this point with the National Frequency Board.

 

8.       Although some PTD representatives saw some seemingly difficult problems, others were enthusiastic, and the organisers of the meeting would continue to strive for a positive resolution of the issue.

 

 

Ray Gerrard,

 

Vice President and International Secretary

 

16th July 2004