Lawmaker Challenges NBTC Chair's Qualifications Over Side Work
A lawmaker has filed evidence challenging the NBTC chair's qualifications, alleging he violated conflict-of-interest rules by continuing side work at a hospital and accepting a bank directorship while holding the position.
On July 16, 2025, at parliament, Dr. Suphatthra Hasuwarnnakij, an advisor to the House committee on political development, media, and public participation, announced plans to file his third letter of evidence with the NBTC selection committee on July 17. Dr. Suphatthra said he had tracked Dr. Sorn Bunyabaichaipruk's status with difficulty, lacking cooperation from Mahidol University, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Bangkok Bank.
The core issue, Dr. Suphatthra explained, is that Dr. Sorn was required to resign from all other positions before assuming the NBTC chair role on January 11, 2022. Although Dr. Sorn resigned from Mahidol University on January 8, 2022, he subsequently returned to work as an hourly physician at Ramathibodi Hospital's premium clinic, violating the NBTC Broadcasting Act's conflict-of-interest rules.
Dr. Suphatthra also noted that Dr. Sorn applied as an independent director of Bangkok Bank, selected on April 12, 2025, listing himself as NBTC chair in nomination materials. After his appointment, Dr. Sorn did not resign from the bank role but requested to defer it pending legal counsel review, signaling intent to retain both positions.
Dr. Suphatthra stated that Dr. Sorn's failure to fully resign from competing positions violates the law requiring neutrality and absence of conflicts of interest. He expressed confidence in his evidence and said he would submit it to the selection committee on July 17, welcoming a public voting process to determine if Dr. Sorn meets qualifications.
