General
NBTC Board Deadlock Sparks Calls for Urgent Action
Thailand's broadcasting regulator faces internal gridlock, with stakeholders demanding a board meeting proceed despite the absence of the chairman.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on September 9, 2026, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has experienced nine failed board meetings over the past two months. This persistent deadlock has prompted the Thailand Consumers Council, the Digital TV Association, and three NBTC commissioners to urge the NBTC office to convene a meeting with the remaining six board members, excluding Chairman Dr. Sarana.
Commissioner Pirongrong has set a deadline of September 16, 2026, for the meeting to be held, citing Section 20 of the Frequency Allocation Act. The ongoing inability of the board to function could impact regulatory oversight of telecommunications and digital broadcasting services in Thailand. For residents and travelers, this administrative impasse may lead to delays in policy decisions affecting digital infrastructure, service quality, or consumer protection standards in the telecommunications sector.
It remains to be confirmed whether the NBTC office will comply with the request to hold the meeting without the chairman by the specified deadline, or if further legal challenges will arise regarding the legitimacy of such a session. Stakeholders continue to monitor the situation as the September 16 deadline approaches.
