Selection Panel Unanimously Removes NBTC Chair Over Legal Disqualification

The selection committee for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission held a meeting on July 17, 2569 at Parliament, chaired by Senior Judge Kiattipong Ammatykul, to determine whether NBTC Chairman Dr. Surin Bunyachaiyapruks should be removed from office. The proceedings were triggered by complaints alleging that Surin possesses disqualifying characteristics under Section 8(2) of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Organization Act, which could result in his removal as NBTC chairman if the committee found him legally unfit. The meeting was closed to the media and public, with Parliament security personnel stationed outside the conference room. The selection committee unanimously resolved that Dr. Surin Bunyachaiyapruks possesses disqualifying characteristics under Section 8(2) of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Organization Act and has therefore forfeited his right to hold an NBTC position under Section 18 of the amended act. Vishnu Varanyu, secretary of the NBTC selection committee, confirmed that the committee's decision was unanimous in finding Surin ineligible to serve as an NBTC commissioner. Varanyu noted that Surin's past actions would be subject to review by relevant agencies to determine their implications, though he did not confirm whether the matter would be escalated to the Prime Minister for royal consideration. The Senate Secretary-General's office stated it would route the matter back through the same channel from which it was received.