NBTC Board Deadlock Imperils Key Digital Projects Amid Chairman Qualification Dispute

Turmoil at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board is continuing as its meeting on Wednesday was aborted, just like last month, after four commissioners boycotted the session over the chairman's qualification status. The deadlock could impact several high-priority telecom and digital infrastructure projects. NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck called for the commissioners to collaborate on Wednesday, working to untangle the deadlock that has stalled the board's consideration of national projects. However, the session lasted only 30 minutes before Dr Sarana had to postpone the agenda as the meeting failed to reach a quorum, which requires at least four of the seven members. Commissioner Somphop Purivigraipong walked out when the chairman reached the meeting room, while the commissioners Pirongrong Ramasoota, AM Thanapant Raicharoen and Suphat Suphachalasai started the meeting by questioning the legal status of the chairman after he was recently disqualified by a ruling from the NBTC selection committee. These commissioners said that, following the ruling by a Senate selection committee that Dr Sarana lacks the qualifications to hold office, his continued presence in the role is untenable. Among the most pressing issues is acknowledging the extension of Thaicom 4 satellite operations, as its engineering lifespan is set to expire next month after two extensions of its term. Failure to reach a resolution could lead to engineering risks and service disruptions. Thaicom 4 is currently operated by National Telecom (NT) until the end of September, but NBTC acknowledgement is crucial. Other important issues awaiting consideration include measures for the digital TV broadcasting transition, approvals on the funding of several projects, and allocation of four-digit shortcode numbers for private enterprises. Dr Sarana maintained that he is legally obligated to perform his duties and that many responsibilities cannot be delegated, potentially exposing him to charges of malfeasance. He is attempting informal discussions with board members to prevent further collapses of the meetings. Dr Sarana filed a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court seeking an order to revoke the Senate selection committee's ruling to disqualify him. He argued that the selection committee exceeded its authority and maintained his status as an NBTC commissioner remains valid until a royal command is issued to remove him from office. However, the selection panel ruled on July 17 that Dr Sarana was prohibited from serving as chairman under relevant NBTC laws, citing evidence that he held temporary employee status as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital and continued to see patients, which conflicts with the requirement for commissioners to work full-time.