The fate-defining battle over Dr. Sorn on 26 June intensifies. Legal experts point out that the NBTC Selection Committee has the authority to make a final ruling on Dr. Sorn’s qualifications. Dr. Supat expresses disappointment as the hospital refuses to provide OPD data to the parliamentary committee, seen as a delaying tactic.
On 19 June 2026, the issue of verifying Dr. Sorn Boonbaichaiyapruck’s qualifications as chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) grew increasingly intense ahead of the NBTC Selection Committee meeting on 26 June 2026. Debates have emerged over the committee’s authority and accusations of non-cooperation from Mahidol University and Ramathibodi Hospital in providing data for the review.
Mr. Praphan Kunmee, a legal expert and former senator, published an article disputing claims citing Constitutional Court rulings 25-27/2012 that argued the Selection Committee lacked authority to assess the NBTC chairman’s qualifications. He affirmed that such interpretations misrepresent the facts and legislative intent.
Mr. Praphan noted that the Constitutional Court’s rulings referenced a different case from Dr. Sorn’s qualification review and did not remove the Selection Committee’s authority. Furthermore, current law under Section 15/1 of the Frequency Allocation Organization Act, amended in 2021, explicitly grants the committee the power to assess disqualifications or prohibitions of candidates or selected individuals, with its decision being final.
He also cited the Council of State’s opinion stating that if grounds for disqualification arise before royal appointment, the original Selection Committee retains the authority to investigate and decide on the matter.
Meanwhile, questions resurfaced regarding Dr. Sorn’s connections to the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University after no representatives from Mahidol appeared to explain before the Parliamentary Committee on Political Development, Mass Communication, and Public Participation on 18 June 2026.
Earlier disclosures revealed that within months after Dr. Sorn assumed NBTC chairmanship in 2022, the NBTC approved a 180 million baht budget to support Ramathibodi Foundation projects, including the development of hospital management and health data systems using 5G technology.
Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, former chairman of the Rural Doctors’ Club and former People’s Party MP candidate, expressed disappointment after attending the committee meeting, citing Ramathibodi Hospital’s failure to provide requested data and send representatives to explain, despite requests for outpatient (OPD) data crucial for factual verification regarding Dr. Sorn.
Dr. Supat stated that current information indicates that after Dr. Sorn resigned from positions as required by law on 8 January 2022, he continued working and receiving hourly pay as a doctor at Ramathibodi Hospital and simultaneously held an independent director role at Bangkok Bank. This is under investigation to determine if it constitutes a disqualification.
“Mahidol University and Ramathibodi Hospital’s management have a duty to provide the data requested by the committee. There is no need to delay or obstruct the investigation. I am very disappointed with Ramathibodi, which I hold in high regard,” Dr. Supat said.
The Selection Committee has set 19 June 2026 as the final day to submit data and evidence from involved parties amid ongoing non-cooperation from Dr. Sorn’s former institutions. Public attention is focused on the NBTC Selection Committee meeting on 26 June 2026, a crucial session to consider complaints regarding Dr. Sorn Boonbaichaiyapruck’s qualifications and prohibitions. The ruling could directly affect his future as NBTC chairman.