Politics
Senator Questions Government Over NBTC Chair Appointment Amid Legal Dispute
Senator Dr. Premsak Pia-yura has criticized the government for proceeding with the appointment process for the NBTC Chairman while a related legal case remains pending in court.
On September 3, 2026, Senator Dr. Premsak Pia-yura addressed the media at the Parliament, raising concerns regarding the government's decision to advance the appointment of Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck as Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Dr. Premsak noted that the Supreme Administrative Court has accepted a case concerning Dr. Sarana’s status for consideration.
Dr. Premsak argued that the government, particularly the Prime Minister, should review the appropriateness of submitting this appointment for royal endorsement while the legal dispute is ongoing. He referenced a 2018 government directive, which mandates that any matters submitted for royal consideration must be thoroughly vetted to ensure legal compliance, especially when active court cases or complaints exist. He suggested that the Prime Minister should clarify the situation and apologize to the public for the haste.
For residents and expatriates, this development highlights ongoing administrative instability within the regulatory body overseeing Thailand's telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. While the situation does not directly impact daily life, it underscores a period of legal uncertainty regarding the leadership of a key national agency. It remains to be confirmed how the Prime Minister will respond to these calls for a review and whether the court’s final ruling will necessitate a reversal of the current appointment process.