The NBTC board meeting collapsed again amid intense debate over the chairman's status, leading to a walkout that left the meeting without a quorum. Dr. Sornna affirmed he has not left his post and will proceed with a meeting tomorrow (6 Aug), urging committee members to cooperate as there are many urgent agenda items.
On 5 August 2026, reporters reported that the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) held a meeting. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board. This was the 23rd meeting of 2026, following a postponed session on 27 July 2026 due to lack of quorum, and today a similar incident occurred when. Clinical Professor Dr. Sornna Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of NBTC, entered the meeting room and announced the opening of the meeting. Some committee members objected, raising concerns about the chairman's qualifications, and discussions revealed differing opinions.
Ultimately, three NBTC committee members, namely, Air Marshal Thanaphon Raiyaroen, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasut, and Mr. Supach Supachalasai, left the meeting room, exercising their right to "reserve the right not to participate due to legal reasons," fearing illegal actions, and opposing the meeting's opening. They had received a letter from the NBTC selection committee concerning the chairman's lack of qualifications and worried this might affect decisions made at the meeting. Associate Professor Dr. Sompop Purivirayapong was the first to leave after Dr. Sornna entered, resulting in no quorum and the meeting's suspension.
Later, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong explained that NBTC members clearly intended to attend because they recognized the importance and urgency of the agenda affecting all sectors. Dr. Sornna's continued participation posed legal risks if the meeting proceeded under a chairman whose qualification was questioned. Any votes under such leadership risked legal invalidity under administrative or criminal law.
Moreover, Dr. Sornna's filing for a temporary injunction at the administrative court to continue his duties underscored his awareness of his legal status, indicating he acknowledged having relinquished his NBTC position. Otherwise, he would not seek court protection to act as chairman temporarily during the court's consideration, he added. The Prime Minister, as the acting authority under the relevant law, has the power to resolve this deadlock. There is hope the Prime Minister will provide clear guidance so the remaining six members can perform their duties lawfully without harming the country's communications system.
Meanwhile, Air Marshal Thanaphon stated clearly that the remaining committee members are ready to work to move the country's mission forward but cannot cooperate with someone without authority. “I am ready to attend NBTC meetings with the remaining six members to progress the work, but I cannot participate with someone who has been disqualified and no longer holds authority,” he said. From another perspective, this seems like an attempt to obstruct the remaining NBTC members. According to meeting regulations, the NBTC can elect an acting chairman during meetings to advance urgent agendas without legal violations.
When asked about criticism that this board is slow and has many pending agendas, Air Marshal Thanaphon immediately countered that the cause is not committee inactivity but the chairman's authority to set the agenda. Such a backlog and delay have never occurred before, and it is not due to lack of work but the chairman’s control over what is considered.
Then Clinical Professor Dr. Sornna appealed for cooperation from all committee members to focus on their mission to serve the public. “We have many important and urgent agendas, as you know. I would like to ask all committee members to attend meetings so these issues can be resolved smoothly,” he said.
When asked about legal risks if the chairman does not perform duties or the meeting remains inconclusive, he responded clearly, “Would I not be liable under Section 157?” He emphasized that by law he must continue his duties and has already exercised his administrative rights after a ruling, which stated the matter is not final and awaits judicial clarity. He added, “We are waiting for the administrative court’s order or royal command or both. While there is no legal conclusion, I ask committee members to cooperate and attend meetings so work can proceed.” He reiterated his hope to keep work moving forward and requested all board members to attend the meeting tomorrow (6 August 2026).
The delay in convening the NBTC board has halted several important projects, including the Thaicom 4 satellite, whose concession and lifespan expire on 10 September. Since the new satellite is not ready, permission to continue using the old one is necessary. Also affected are digital TV issues, pending agendas related to the digital TV industry's operations, and approval of funding from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund (BTRDF), a major project awaiting funding approval.
However, it was affirmed that none of these agendas are bargaining chips but standard duties to be performed, and they will be proposed for discussion as soon as the board is ready to act.