General
NBTC Commissioner Pirongrong Refuses to Attend Meetings Chaired by Sarana
Commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoot has formally stated she will not participate in NBTC meetings if Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck serves as the chairperson.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 13, 2026, NBTC Commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoot has issued a formal letter clarifying her stance regarding the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board meetings.
In the correspondence, Pirongrong confirmed her willingness to attend and participate in meetings with the other five commissioners. However, she explicitly stated that she will refuse to join any session where Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck acts as the chairperson. This internal friction highlights ongoing administrative challenges within the regulatory body responsible for Thailand's broadcasting and telecommunications sectors.
For residents and expatriates, this development is significant as the NBTC oversees critical infrastructure, including mobile network licensing, internet service regulations, and broadcasting standards. Continued internal disagreements among commissioners could potentially lead to delays in policy implementation or regulatory decision-making that affects digital services and telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
It remains to be confirmed how the NBTC will resolve this leadership impasse and whether the board can maintain a quorum for essential regulatory business under these conditions. Observers are waiting to see if mediation or further administrative adjustments will be introduced to ensure the commission continues to function effectively.