NBTC chairman appeals to PM over qualifications deadlock

NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck has sent a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul seeking justice and resolution for the deadlock at the regulator over his qualifications. Dr Sarana stated he did nothing wrong and followed all legal requirements during his four years and four months of dedicated service. The NBTC board meeting to consider agenda items was aborted yesterday, marking the third consecutive failed meeting after four commissioners boycotted the session over the ruling on the chairman's qualifications. A quorum of at least four out of seven members is required for the meeting. The first boycott took place on July 27, when three commissioners walked out of the meeting: Pirongrong Ramasoota, AM Thanapant Raicharoen and Mr Suphat Suphachalasai. Another commissioner, Somphop Purivigraigong, was absent on that day. The boycotts are attributed to the NBTC selection committee's ruling last month to disqualify Dr Sarana as a commissioner, citing his failure to abide by NBTC law. Dr Sarana assigned NBTC management yesterday to review the effects of the failed meetings, as there are 34 urgent items awaiting board consideration. "I've done nothing wrong and have followed all legal standards," he said. The NBTC board is scheduled to hold meetings on Aug 11, 13, 19 and 20. Dr Sarana said there was no reason or legal grounds for him to stop performing his duties. "I do not recognise the authority of the selection committee," he noted. The commissioners who boycotted the meetings asked the chairman to stop performing his duties and allow the other six commissioners to proceed with the session. Dr Sarana said attending meetings is part of his official duties. "My vote is just one of many. It is not the deciding factor, so my presence is essential in my role as a commissioner," he said. Dr Sarana also rejected the suggestion by the dissenters that the commissioners call a meeting of all seven members to vote on his status as chairman. "Is there any law that permits such a vote? Discussing this only leads to further complications. Does the law state that a majority vote can order the chairman to cease his duties?" Dr Sarana said. The crisis over his status has raised concerns among commissioners that future board resolutions might be deemed legally void. Dr Sarana said he is only one vote among seven and is willing to abstain from specific votes if doing so ensures the meetings can proceed. The chairman urged all commissioners to return to the boardroom for the next meetings as the "interests of the nation must take precedence over internal disputes". "I think a resolution for proceeding with the meetings will come soon," he said. On Aug 3, Dr Sarana filed a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court seeking an order to revoke the NBTC selection committee's ruling to disqualify him. The petition also sought an urgent order granting him interim relief from the verdict. The court ruled there was no necessity to issue an urgent interim measure prior to judgement in this case. Dr Sarana confirmed the court had accepted his lawsuit for consideration. Source: Bangkok Post