Top Court Reverses Lower Court, Allows NBTC Chief to Defend Legal Standing
Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court reversed a lower court's decision, allowing NBTC Chairman Sorin Bunyachai Prueksa to defend his legal standing against a selection committee's ruling that had threatened his position.
The Supreme Administrative Court reversed the lower court's decision on August 31, accepting a lawsuit from Clinic Professor Sorin Bunyachai Prueksa, NBTC chairman, challenging a selection committee's determination. The lower court had initially dismissed the case, but the higher court found the committee's ruling has a direct impact on the plaintiff's legal status and rights. The court determined that such harm warrants judicial review and that only a court order can nullify the committee's decision. Both the question of whether Sorin meets legal requirements and the lawfulness of the selection committee's actions will now be examined in court proceedings. Until the court issues a final judgment, Sorin retains his status as NBTC chairman. The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling opens the opportunity for Sorin to prove his legal standing while the court also reviews the selection committee's use of authority.
