NBTC chairman presents new evidence amid removal bid

Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, chairman of Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has presented new evidence to contest his disqualification. The selection committee had ruled him ineligible for failing to resign from posts prohibited by law.

This development coincides with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's request for royal approval to remove Dr. Sarana. The Prime Minister stated that the process followed legal procedures and denied that the removal would disrupt NBTC functions, as the remaining commissioners can still operate.

Dr. Sarana revealed a document from Mahidol University confirming his resignation from all university and hospital positions on January 8, 2022, prior to his NBTC appointment. He asserted that his medical work from January to April 2022 was as an independent specialist, not as an employee, supported by his tax filings categorizing earnings as professional fees.

The NBTC law mandates full-time service for commissioners and prohibits paid positions or occupations creating conflicts of interest. Despite a Senate deadline for candidates to resign from prohibited posts by January 11, 2022, all were appointed in April. The selection panel later received evidence suggesting Dr. Sarana held temporary employee status as a physician until April 2022.

Meanwhile, NBTC board meetings have been repeatedly aborted since July 27, with four commissioners boycotting sessions due to the chairman's disputed qualifications. Dr. Sarana described these boycotts as a "strategic game" by opposing factions, while one boycotting commissioner stated her actions stem from a strong intention to perform her duties.

“

It's all a game. I can't tell you exactly what they are thinking, but you can see the moves for yourself.