Experts Urge PM Anutin to Resolve Legal Dispute Over NBTC Chairman

On August 9, 2026, significant developments emerged regarding the legal dispute between Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruk, Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the NBTC selection committee. The Central Administrative Court issued an order refusing to accept the lawsuit and dismissed the case from its docket, ruling that the plaintiff has not yet suffered direct injury or damage.

As a result of the court's decision, Dr. Sarana continues to serve in his role as NBTC Chairman because the formal process to submit a petition for a royal command removing him from the position has not been executed. Furthermore, the court has not yet ruled on whether the selection committee's resolution declaring that Dr. Sarana forfeited his right to the position was legally valid, leaving the removal process legally unresolved.

Tracing back to the origins of the dispute, Dr. Sarana was royally appointed as NBTC Chairman on April 13, 2022. Subsequently, complaints arose alleging that he continued to work as a paid hourly physician. In response, the selection committee unanimously voted 4:0 that Dr. Sarana had forfeited his eligibility. However, Dr. Sarana contested this, arguing that the selection committee's authority to vet qualifications terminated once they selected him and submitted his name to the Senate.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

This debate over committee jurisdiction is supported by several legal experts and committee members. Narong Ratthamurit, a former NBTC selection committee member, along with committee member Yupin Chalanonniwat, voiced opposition to the committee's exercise of power. They noted that no legal provision authorizes the selection committee to retroactively rule on the removal of an officially appointed official. Additionally, the Council of State has previously issued explicit legal interpretations stating that the selection committee's mandate to vet candidate qualifications applies strictly before the royal appointment.

Regarding allegations of holding overlapping employment, Dr. Sarana presented evidence confirming he submitted his resignation from the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital on January 7, 2022, following Senate approval, ahead of the Prime Minister submitting his name for royal endorsement in January and receiving royal assent on April 13.

Beyond procedural powers, legal experts also pointed out qualification issues concerning Kiatipong Amatyakul, who served as chairman of the NBTC selection committee during the meeting on July 21, 2026. Under Section 7 of the Act on Organization to Assign Radio Frequency Spectrum and Regulate Broadcasting and Telecommunications Services B.E. 2553 (2010) and its amendments, selection committee members must not exceed 70 years of age. Since Kiatipong was over 70 on the day he chaired the meeting, legal questions remain over whether his tenure and execution of duties on that date complied fully with the law.

Given these compounding legal conflicts—including committee jurisdiction, transparency, and the legitimacy of meetings chaired by Kiatipong—legal experts have advised the Prime Minister to thoroughly review all legal dimensions and ensure absolute completeness before proceeding with any further steps.

Source: Khaosod Politics