Senator Calls for Overhaul of Thailand's Broadcasting Commission

On August 6, 2026, Senator Premsak Pia-yura addressed the media at the Thai Parliament regarding ongoing controversies surrounding the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The Senator expressed concerns over the legitimacy of the recent decision by the NBTC selection committee to disqualify the current NBTC chairman, Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck.

Senator Premsak questioned the legality of the selection committee's proceedings, citing the participation of individuals who were not part of the original committee, such as the new Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Withai Rattanakorn. Furthermore, he raised doubts regarding the eligibility of Supreme Court representative Kiatipong Amatayakul, noting that he is over 70 years of age. Given these irregularities, the Senator suggested that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul should dissolve the seven-member board entirely and oversee a fresh selection process to better serve the public interest.

For residents and travelers, this situation highlights potential instability within the regulatory body that oversees Thailand’s telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure. While the Senator has called for a complete reset, it remains to be confirmed how Prime Minister Anutin will respond. The Prime Minister has previously indicated that the matter would be brought before the Senate for further deliberation. As of now, the conflict between the NBTC and the selection committee remains unresolved, and the future composition of the commission is subject to further government review.