Senator Questions Thai PBS Executives Using Official Cars Despite Car Allowances
Senator Prem sakdi Piya Yura remains unsatisfied with Thai PBS Director Wanchai Tantivitthapong's explanation that two executives properly used official vehicles for work duties despite receiving monthly car allowances of 27,000 and 15,000 baht. The senator questions why Thai PBS failed to issue vehicle usage regulations for seven years despite a Prime Minister's Office recommendation, and why sole-source procurement continued with the same contractor for a decade. The State Audit Office is also investigating potential overlapping benefits that could cost the broadcaster millions.
On November 4, 2026, Senator Prem sakdi Piya Yura disclosed receiving a clarification letter dated October 26, 2026, from Wanchai Tantivitthapong, Director of Thai PBS, responding to inquiries about organizational operations. The issues concerned executives receiving monthly car allowances while still using official vehicles, and continuous sole-source procurement with the same contractors.
Prem sakdi said the matter originated from a Senate meeting on August 25, where the Thai PBS Policy and Management Committee presented its 2025 annual report. He questioned two executives receiving car allowances of 27,000 and 15,000 baht monthly while also using official vehicles, as reported in the media, and demanded a written response within 30 days.
The clarification letter, over two pages covering three points, left two key issues unresolved: the executives' use of official vehicles despite receiving car allowances, and sole-source procurement with existing contractors.
Regarding vehicle use, Wanchai explained the investigation found the two executives used official vehicles for Thai PBS benefit — such as meeting news sources and attending approved training — without corrupt intent for personal gain.
Prem sakdi expressed continued doubt, citing news that in July the State Audit Office (SAO) sent letters to current and former policy board members, including Wanchai and former Thai PBS Director Professor Wilasinee Pipitkul, demanding explanations, necessity justifications, and evidence for official vehicle use in fiscal years 2021–2025.
The senator's core question: why hasn't Thai PBS issued vehicle usage regulations, when the Prime Minister's Office had recommended doing so since 2019? He noted that without clear guidelines, executives at multiple levels — directors, deputies, office heads, and assistants — who already receive car allowances might also use official vehicles, potentially costing the organization millions of baht.
Preliminary audit findings Prem sakdi tracked indicate overlapping vehicle use and duplicate benefits, which could lead to Thai PBS recovering funds from those involved. Who bears responsibility for dereliction of duty — policy board or management — and who must reimburse expenses remains pending the investigation's outcome.
If the audit finds wrongdoing, how will Wanchai account for his assurance that both executives' vehicle use was for organizational duties without corrupt intent?
Prem sakdi added that Wanchai's letter states Thai PBS has now enacted the 2026 Official Vehicle Usage Regulations, setting usage criteria and banning car allowance recipients from using official vehicles, though with certain exceptions. He therefore demands Thai PBS publish these regulations.
