Thailand considers joining CEPT

The Thai International Services Division has written to the ERO (European Radio Organisation - CEPT Secretariat) on 17th August 2004 expressing 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.

If successful this will mean that Thailand will have in effect reciprocal agreements with almost 60 countries, mainly in Europe.

The Thai regulatory authority 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.

Subsequently, on July 16th, at a meeting chaired by Khun Wojana (Director International) of PDT, Ray Gerrard Vice President of RAST and Major Narissara (Committee Member) presented the case supporting Thailand joining the CEPT Recommendations. Representatives from the major departments were represented ie. Legal, Licensing, Engineering, and International relations. The main purpose of the meeting was for PTD to hear RASTs view of the CEPT issue.

(Thanks to Ray Gerrard, HS0ZDZ)

Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada

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