The Bangkok Post has reported that out of 33 companies who purchased bidding documents, all but four have submitted applications for the 24 available digital TV licenses, according to National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). 

Among the four withdrawals was Chan 25 Co, owned by Surang Prempree, former managing director of Bangkok Broadcasting and Television Co (BBTV), adds the report.

Of the 41 applications made, six companies filed bids for children’s channels, 10 for news channels, 16 for variety SD channels and nine for variety HD channels, according to the report. 

The report adds that bidders submitted their documents and paid 10% of the starting price in each category, via bank guarantees, ahead of the mid-December auctions.

According to the report, Prempree and her husband hold a combined 21% stake in BBTV, which is above the NBTC’s bidding criteria, that applicants must not have over a 10% stake of duplicated shareholders. Also, if Chan 25 had made a bid, both companies would be disqualified, added the report.