Law
Supreme Administrative Court Reverses Ruling on NBTC Chairman’s Eligibility Case
The Supreme Administrative Court has ordered the lower court to accept a lawsuit filed by NBTC Chairman Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck regarding his disqualification.
On September 2, 2026, the Supreme Administrative Court of Thailand issued a ruling to accept a lawsuit filed by Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, the Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). According to Khaosod Online, the court overturned a previous decision by the Central Administrative Court, which had initially declined to hear the case.
Dr. Sarana is challenging a July 21, 2026, decision by the NBTC Selection Committee, which declared him ineligible for his position due to alleged prohibited characteristics. The Chairman is seeking a court order to revoke this finding, effectively nullifying the committee's decision as if it had never occurred. The Supreme Administrative Court reasoned that the Selection Committee acts as a state agency under the 1999 Act on Establishment of Administrative Courts and Administrative Court Procedure, making its decisions subject to judicial review.
For residents and expatriates, this legal development is significant as it concerns the leadership of the body regulating Thailand’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. While the court has now agreed to hear the case and instructed the lower court to consider temporary protective measures, the final outcome remains pending. It is not yet confirmed whether Dr. Sarana will retain his position or if the selection process will be reopened, as the legal proceedings are ongoing.