Protesters Disrupt NBTC 15th Anniversary Amid Leadership Dispute
Protesters disrupted the NBTC’s 15th‑anniversary merit‑making ceremony, demanding the removal of Chairman Dr. Suran Boonbai‑Chaiphuek and Acting Secretary‑General Tri‑rat Wiriyasirikul. At the same time, four commissioners were in court over a defamation case filed by Dr. Suran, while the commission has been paralyzed by twelve failed board meetings in September and a legal ruling questioning his eligibility. Dr. Suran said he had received an invitation for the October 8 meeting but had not yet confirmed his attendance, insisting any meeting must follow the law.
During the merit‑making ceremony, officials including Police General Natthorn Prasasunthon, the NBTC’s legal adviser, and Acting Secretary‑General Tri‑rat Wiriyasirikul welcomed guests from government and private sectors who offered congratulations and donations for public benefit. While the ceremony proceeded, a group of demonstrators approached the venue, holding signs that read “No bogus chairman,” “Dr. Suran must go,” “NBTC is obstinate,” and even a banner with the number 157.
At the same time, four NBTC commissioners—Supachat Suphachalasai, Air Marshal Thananphan H̄ōn̄charoen, Phirarong Ramsut, and Somphop Phurawiwakraiwong—had gone to the Civil Court after the court set a date to announce its judgment in a defamation suit filed by Dr. Suran against them. The suit stems from a joint press release and distribution of documents that allegedly damaged Dr. Suran’s reputation.
The backdrop to the unrest is a series of failed board meetings: the NBTC board has collapsed twelve times in September alone. On October 6, two competing meetings were held—one convened by the NBTC office for Dr. Suran, and another special meeting of six commissioners held without Dr. Suran, which the NBTC office refused to organize. According to a ruling by the Central Administrative Court, the NBTC selection committee’s resolution declared Dr. Suran ineligible from the outset, meaning he has forfeited his right and may no longer participate in meetings or perform his duties.
In response, Dr. Suran told reporters that the NBTC office had already sent an invitation for the meeting scheduled for October 8, but he had not yet formally confirmed whether he would attend or chair the session. He stressed that he had not submitted a leave request and was still considering his position. When asked about his repeated absences—he had previously taken leave twice—he said it was not unusual and that he was willing to let the meeting proceed, emphasizing that his original intention was simply to see a lawful meeting take place. He warned that if a meeting were called with only six commissioners while excluding one, and then claimed a majority, that would be unlawful.
Regarding concerns about holding two concurrent meetings, Dr. Suran stated that the matter would need to be reviewed against the relevant regulations to determine which assembly, if any, complies with the rules.
