NBTC Legal Subcommittee Rules on Status of Chairman Soran
A legal subcommittee of the NBTC has determined that Chairman Soran Boonbaichaiyapruck is no longer eligible to serve, allowing remaining commissioners to proceed with official duties.
On November 15, 2026, the NBTC's legal advisory subcommittee issued an opinion regarding the operational status of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The subcommittee concluded that Professor Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruck can no longer perform the duties of Chairman or commissioner. This follows a ruling by the selection committee, which the Central Administrative Court has upheld as lawful. The subcommittee clarified that an appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court does not automatically suspend the original order, meaning the removal remains in effect unless the Supreme Administrative Court issues a stay of execution. Consequently, the subcommittee stated that the remaining NBTC commissioners are authorized to perform duties and make decisions on behalf of the Chairman, as the commission maintains a sufficient quorum under Section 20 of the Frequency Allocation Act. For residents and stakeholders, this development is significant as it aims to resolve administrative gridlock within the regulatory body that oversees Thailand's telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. While the subcommittee has provided this legal interpretation, the situation remains subject to final confirmation by the Supreme Administrative Court regarding the potential stay of the removal order. Continued monitoring of official NBTC announcements is advised to understand how this leadership transition will impact regulatory policies and ongoing projects.
