Deputy PM: NBTC Chair Removal Lawful, Pm Duty Only
The government's removal of NBTC Chair Dr. Sornchai Chaiyapruek is lawful and proceeds through proper channels, Deputy PM Prakorn Nila-Phand said, noting that filing an Administrative Court challenge does not halt the process.
Deputy Prime Minister Prakorn Nila-Phand addressed Dr. Sornchai Chaiyapruek's removal from the NBTC chairmanship following a selection committee decision that he lacked required qualifications. Prakorn stated the matter is undergoing legal verification and the government can only proceed through lawful means. He noted that filing a challenge at the Administrative Court does not suspend the process, as regulations specify that court filings do not stop proceedings. Prakorn emphasized the government's role is solely to submit the matter to the Royal Decree as required by law, with the selection committee and Senate having already approved the candidate. He defended the government's responsibility to verify legal compliance before submission to avoid repeat errors. On whether Sornchai can chair NBTC meetings while pending removal, Prakorn said that follows NBTC regulations, which the government cannot override. Responding to criticism about the selection committee's composition, Prakorn cited the Attorney General's opinion that the law clearly specifies "Governor of the Bank of Thailand" by position, not individual, so the principle must be upheld.
