On November 6, executives from BEC World Public Company Limited, the parent company of Channel 3, announced plans to reduce staff by approximately 30%, affecting nearly 300 employees. The decision, revealed in an internal online meeting, is part of a cost-cutting strategy to address economic challenges. Unlike previous measures, this round of layoffs will not include voluntary resignation or early retirement options. Instead, department heads will evaluate employee performance and submit lists of affected staff by November 2024, with terminations effective from January 2025.
The layoffs will affect employees across all levels, from editors to general staff. Some news presenters will transition to freelance roles, continuing to receive payment for on-air appearances but losing their full-time employee status.
Severance packages will follow legal requirements:
1. Employees with 120 days to under 1 year of service: at least 30 days' pay.
2. Employees with 1–3 years of service: at least 90 days' pay.
3. Employees with 3–6 years of service: at least 180 days' pay.
4. Employees with 6–10 years of service: at least 240 days' pay.
5. Employees with 10–20 years of service: at least 300 days' pay.
6. Employees with over 20 years of service: at least 400 days' pay.
This decision reflects ongoing economic pressures and a strategic shift to streamline operations.