Lawmaker Demands PM Force NBTC Chair to Resign
A lawmaker demanded the prime minister force NBTC Chair Dr. Sorn Bunjaichaipruk to resign after a selection committee ruled him ineligible, citing his repeated refusal that has derailed three board meetings and potentially risks oversight o
At a parliamentary session on August 6, 2025, Phakamon Hunnanon reported that NBTC board meetings have collapsed three times because Dr. Sorn Bunjaichaipruk refuses to accept a selection committee ruling that he lacks qualifications for the position. Once the committee determined his ineligibility, Hunnanon argued, he should have forfeited his right to the role immediately.
Hunnanon emphasized that the prime minister has a clear legal obligation to petition the king for Dr. Sorn's removal and has no valid reason to delay. She suggested that postponing action only directs public scrutiny toward the PM rather than the unqualified official. She also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting shared advisors between the PM's previous administration and Dr. Sorn, and questioned whether the PM was reluctant to act due to personal connections.
Hunnanon further warned that allowing an unqualified person to oversee state assets worth hundreds of billions of baht—especially with upcoming decisions on funding programs and international travel—poses serious risks. She called for the NBTC board to clarify whether a temporary chairman could be appointed and demanded greater transparency in board meetings and budget disclosures. When asked if Dr. Sorn was being stubborn, Hunnanon countered that the real question is whether someone ruled ineligible has legal justification for insisting on holding the position.
