Selection Committee to Vote on NBTC Chair's Qualifications
A selection committee will vote July 17 on whether NBTC Chairman Dr. Sarun Bunibhunchaipruk must resign due to allegations he holds positions prohibited under broadcasting law, including work as a physician and Bangkok Bank director.
The NBTC selection committee, chaired by Kiatpongse Amatayakul, a senior judge at Regional Labor Court 7, will convene at 9 a.m. on July 17, 2025 to determine whether Dr. Sarun Bunibhunchaipruk must step down as NBTC chairman. Complaints allege he holds disqualifying positions under the broadcasting and telecommunications law. Dr. Suphatra presented documentation showing Sarun maintains status as a temporary hourly-paid physician at Mahidol University from January 8, 2565 to April 12, 2565, and serves as an independent director of Bangkok Bank. The evidence includes tax records, university revenue receipts, and employment regulations clarifying that temporary staff includes monthly, daily, and hourly workers. Dr. Suphatra noted that Sarun cannot simultaneously work as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital and volunteer elsewhere, yet evidence shows he treats patients on Mondays and Thursdays, visits Samitivej Hospital on Sundays, and attends Rama 9 Hospital on Saturdays—websites now inaccessible. Sarun registered as a Bangkok Bank independent director before his NBTC appointment the following day without resigning. Dr. Suphatra called for an open vote to settle the matter definitively.
