Lawyer Warns Of Paralysis At Thailand's Broadcasting Regulator

On September 9, prominent lawyer Rujira Bunnag voiced alarm over internal conflicts at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, or NBTC, after several commissioners declined to attend meetings due to disagreements about the status of Clinical Professor Sorin Boonbaisaichai, the NBTC chairman. The deadlock has left multiple meetings inquorate and halted critical business affecting the public interest.

Bunnag noted that the NBTC plays a vital role in the country, managing frequency spectrum allocation and overseeing broadcasting, television, and telecommunications—all directly linked to daily life, the economy, and the nation's digital security. "The NBTC's situation is like a car stuck in neutral, unable to move forward, because meetings to consider and vote on important matters cannot proceed," he said.

The conflict stems from a July 21, 2024, ruling by the NBTC's selection committee declaring that Clinical Professor Sorin met disqualification criteria under Section 8(2) of the Frequency Allocation Act and was therefore deemed to have forfeited his right to the position, as he had continued to work as a paid clinician at Ramathibodi Hospital before taking office.

Bunnag raised factual and legal objections, noting that Mahidol University had clarified that during the relevant period, Professor Sorin held no formal employment or labor status at the hospital or university, leaving it unclear whether he actually met the legal disqualification threshold. He also flagged a key jurisdictional question: whether the selection committee retains the power to overrule its own decision after a candidate has been approved and appointed.

Professor Sorin subsequently sued the Central Administrative Court to overturn the committee's ruling. The lower court initially dismissed the case, but the Supreme Administrative Court (in order 952/2569) reversed that decision, holding that the ruling affects the plaintiff's rights and allowing the case to proceed. However, this ruling only determines standing; it has not yet adjudicated whether the committee had authority or whether the chairman meets the required qualifications.

Bunnag stated that regarding the chairman's operational status, since the case remains pending and no royal decree removing him has been issued, Clinical Professor Sorin retains the power to discharge his duties as NBTC chairman. The legal issue remains disputed between the parties and awaits a final court judgment. Dissenting commissioners have said they remain ready to work but decline to attend meetings chaired by Professor Sorin, fearing that decisions could be challenged on legal grounds and seeking clarity on his standing.