Law
Supreme Administrative Court Allows NBTC Chair to Challenge Selection Committee Ruling
The Supreme Administrative Court has overturned a lower court's decision, allowing NBTC Chairman Dr. Sarana Boonchaiyapruck to proceed with a lawsuit against the selection committee.
On September 3, 2026, Khaosod Online reported that the Supreme Administrative Court issued a ruling to accept a lawsuit filed by Dr. Sarana Boonchaiyapruck, the Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This decision reverses a previous ruling by the Administrative Court of First Instance, which had initially dismissed the case and removed it from the court registry.
Dr. Sarana is seeking to revoke a decision made by the NBTC selection committee regarding his status. The Supreme Administrative Court determined that the committee's ruling directly impacts the rights and duties of the plaintiff, potentially causing unavoidable harm that requires judicial intervention. Consequently, the court has agreed to hear the case to determine the legality of the selection committee's findings and address allegations regarding Dr. Sarana’s qualifications.
For residents and those interested in Thailand’s regulatory landscape, this development is significant as it maintains the current status of the NBTC leadership. Dr. Sarana remains the Chairman of the NBTC while the legal proceedings continue. The court has not yet reached a final verdict on the merits of the case; therefore, the legitimacy of the selection committee’s previous decision remains a matter for the judiciary to resolve. The ongoing legal process will ultimately clarify the regulatory standing of the commission's head.