NBTC Leadership Dispute Continues as Acting Secretary-General Clarifies Status
Acting NBTC Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul has reaffirmed Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck's position as Chairman, amid ongoing internal governance tensions.
According to a report by Matichon Online on October 22, 2026, the internal governance of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) remains in a state of flux. Trairat Viriyasirikul, the acting Secretary-General, has publicly asserted that Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck continues to hold the position of NBTC Chairman.
Trairat emphasized his commitment to adhering strictly to legal protocols rather than aligning with specific factions. The statement follows reports of a meeting convened by six NBTC commissioners, which Trairat noted did not result in the formal submission of any resolutions to the NBTC office.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this ongoing administrative friction within the regulatory body responsible for telecommunications and broadcasting may lead to uncertainty regarding policy implementation or service oversight. While the leadership status appears clear from the acting Secretary-General's perspective, the lack of consensus among the commissioners suggests that internal disputes are far from resolved.
What remains to be confirmed is how these conflicting internal dynamics will impact the commission's ability to function effectively and whether further legal challenges will be initiated by the dissenting commissioners. Observers are waiting to see if the NBTC can reach a unified stance or if the current impasse will necessitate external intervention to clarify the board's decision-making authority.
