Leading companies in the financial, tech and telecom sectors have expressed interest in developing a virtual bank business, with the aim of exploring greater opportunities in the digital era.
Merger details unveiled in the final lap of the planned amalgamation of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC) suggest DTAC's parent, the Norwegian firm Telenor, may want to serve as a passive or strategic investor rather than run the day-to-day operations of the new firm a sign of a soft exit from the Thai market.
SET-listed Gulf Energy Development is expected to pursue a further restructuring of its telecom business portfolio this year, which will include becoming the direct major shareholder of leading mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS), according to a market analyst.
Advanced Info Service (AIS) says it remains committed to acquiring fixed broadband provider Triple T Broadband (TTTBB) and investing 19% in Jasmine Broadband Internet Infrastructure Fund (JASIF), even though JASIF shareholders rejected AIS's proposed amendments to optical fibre cable (OFC) rental agreements between TTTBB and JASIF.
Gulf Energy Development Plc, Thailand's biggest private power producer by market value, is pushing for the acquisition of satellite service provider Thaicom Plc for 10.8 billion baht as it explores new business opportunities in the space economy.