The possibility arose when the state media enterprise yesterday asked the Broadcasting Committee if it could cancel the contracts to the clients with network leasing fees overdue since July 2014.

The clients are Voice TV, Thairath TV and Springnews TV.

The state media enterprise argued that it might be unfair if the network lessors remained delinquent even though it had taken full responsibility by offering them remedial measures under a resolution passed by the Broadcasting Committee in February.

However, Pakdee Manaves, deputy secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunica-tions Communication, said the Broadcasting Committee had not yet taken this matter up because it had no intention of intervening in any agreements struck between private broadcasting licensees.

“On behalf of the broadcasting regulator, we would like to ensure freedom and fairness in running a broadcasting business.

“Therefore, MCOT should provide further clarifications and explanations regarding this request within 30 days,” he said.

The NBTC also acknowledged that the differences between the parties had remained since last year when the stations complained that MCOT’s rollout of the digital TV broadcasting network was behind schedule.

Once receiving clarification from MCOT, Pakdee’s office would invite all parties to the negotiating table to find the best resolution.

An MCOT source said that so far the company has been paid only three months of lease payments from Voice TV station and just once from Thairath TV.

Springnews TV has paid nothing so far.