Deep Divisions at Thailand's Broadcast Regulator Threaten Stability
Three majority-faction commissioners are boycotting Thailand's broadcast regulator over doubts about the chair's qualifications, paralyzing the agency as the PM seeks his removal through the courts.
Internal divisions at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the country's independent media and telecom regulator, are raising questions about a structural crisis. The NBTC board has repeatedly failed to convene due to absent quorum and walkouts by three majority-faction commissioners—Professor Pirongpong Ramsoot, Lieutenant General Thanaphan Railaichairn, and Associate Professor Suphat Supchalasai—who have chosen to abstain from participation.
The core dispute centers on the qualifications of NBTC Chair Professor Sorn Boonyibhaichaiprucks. The NBTC selection committee unanimously ruled that the chair lacks the required qualifications and has grounds for disqualification due to conflicting roles with other state agencies from the outset. The commissioners fear that proceeding under his leadership could render all decisions void and expose them to criminal liability.
Although Prime Minister Anuthiny Charnveerakul submitted a royal petition on August 11, 2025, seeking the chair's removal, the chair continued participating in the August 13 board meeting, insisting he must continue his duties and denying any wrongdoing. He emphasized having acted lawfully and ethically throughout, and filed an appeal to the Administrative Court of Justice. The board collapsed for a fifth consecutive time in over five months due to insufficient quorum.
Commissioner Pirongpong stated readiness to proceed with six remaining commissioners under existing legal provisions, citing numerous urgent agenda items. However, he reiterated that the three cannot participate in meetings chaired by Sorn, citing the selection committee's disqualification ruling and noting that the Administrative Court has already refused to hear the chair's case, making the committee's decision final. Pirongpong warned that allowing Sorn to continue as chair risks rendering all board decisions and actions legally invalid.
