Court Clears Way for PM to Remove NBTC Chair Sorun
A Thai court ruled against NBTC Chair Dr. Sorun's legal challenge on August 7, clearing the way for the Prime Minister to remove him for breaching broadcasting regulations.
The Central Administrative Court ruled on August 7, 2025, that it would not accept Dr. Sorun Bunybaichaipruk's petition challenging a selection committee decision that found him in breach of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act. Dr. Sorun had sought to suspend enforcement of the committee's decision, block a royal petition for his removal, and prevent the selection of a replacement NBTC chairman. The court's ruling makes the selection committee's decision final and removes legal obstacles to the Prime Minister's submission of a royal petition recommending Sorun's dismissal. Officials may now proceed with all procedures to implement the decision, including nominating a new NBTC chairman. The ruling also affirms that the NBTC, as an independent state agency under the constitution, falls within the scope of authority requiring Prime Minister and Cabinet responsibility, obligating the PM to submit the petition with supporting information for royal approval to resolve ongoing gridlock in NBTC operations.
