NBTC Board Members Walk Out Over Chairman's Qualifications
Three NBTC board members walked out over concerns that Chairman Dr. Surin Boonbachairaks lacks required qualifications, leaving the agency unable to proceed with scheduled votes on July 27.
On July 27, 2024, representatives of the Digital Television Association of Thailand filed a letter with NBTC Chairman Dr. Surin Boonbachairaks and seven board members before a scheduled 9:30 a.m. meeting. The letter raised concerns that proceeding with votes on significant agenda items while the chairman's qualifications remain under legal dispute could expose decisions to later legal challenges. This followed a 4–0 vote by the NBTC's nominating committee on July 17 regarding the chairman's eligibility. Before the board meeting, five board members entered the conference room and raised the nominating committee's findings that Dr. Surin has disqualifying characteristics, placing the chairman position in uncertain legal standing. NBTC staff members were present to offer support as the chairman prepared to enter. At 9:40 a.m., board members began discussing via phone conference whether participating in today's board meeting posed legal risk. Three board members then walked out and declined to participate, leaving the board without a quorum and forcing cancellation of the meeting.
