The NTC meeting failed as expected for the third consecutive time due to an incomplete quorum. Dr. Saran submitted a letter to the Prime Minister seeking fairness, affirming there have been no off-the-record talks that might suggest collusion. He will continue attending meetings and fulfilling his duties, warning that if he does not, he would merely be a "rubber stamp" holding the position without action.
On 6 August 2026, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NTC) held a board meeting. The usual incident occurred again when Dr. Saran Boonbaiyaipruk, chairman, entered the meeting room, and three commissioners—Air Marshal Dr. Thanaphan Raichaerng, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasut, and Mr. Supat Supachalasai—walked out, exercising their legal right to "reserve the right not to attend the meeting due to legal reasons."
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Sompop Purivirayapong and Mr. Torpong Selanon submitted leave requests in advance. As a result, the meeting could not proceed because the quorum was incomplete. This marked the third consecutive failure of the NTC board meeting.
Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasut stated that the three commissioners maintain their position of not attending the meeting, adhering to the ruling of the NTC Selection Committee, which holds ultimate authority. They cannot meet with those who have waived their rights. According to the law, any meetings or votes conducted under these circumstances would lack legal protection and pose severe criminal and administrative risks.
Regarding Dr. Saran's statement that he must continue his duties to avoid liability under Section 157, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong compared it to the 2017 case of Ms. Supinya Klangnarong, who ceased her duties immediately after a final judgment. Temporarily suspending duties does not violate Section 157. He also noted that in the past, when the chairman could not perform duties, the board elected another commissioner to chair the meeting and proceed with considerations.
Air Marshal Dr. Thanaphan Raichaerng clarified that the absence is not limited to just the three commissioners but includes others as well. He emphasized this is not a "walkout" but that they cannot remain in the meeting or perform duties without legal backing. Until the chairman’s status is resolved, the commissioners cannot work or collaborate with Dr. Saran.
Regarding the claim that the commissioners' absence caused pending agenda items, it was revealed that accumulated pending issues have existed for 2-3 years. This is because the authority to organize and rearrange meeting agendas lies solely with the chairman, who has not responded to commissioners' requests made every three months.
As a solution, the commissioners suggest holding off-line discussions to consider the chairman's status before the next meeting, as otherwise, the next board meeting would likely face the same issues. They are also considering sending a letter to the Prime Minister, as the legal custodian, to request clarity so the organization can move forward legally.
Dr. Saran Boonbaiyaipruk, NTC chairman, told reporters he will continue his duties since no order or regulation directs him to stop. He rejected proposals for off-line talks or votes by commissioners, viewing such off-record discussions as potential collusion. He said no law supports a vote to suspend his duties.
Dr. Saran disclosed he sent a letter to the Prime Minister last week seeking fairness on several issues. He affirmed that throughout his 4 years and 4 months in office, he has acted in accordance with the law and standards. Regarding concerns about waiver of rights, he has followed procedures through the Senate president and according to the Council of State’s opinion.
“The meeting's suggestion to vote to suspend the chairman does not exist in the regulations. I consider my duties as part of why I am here. If I do not perform them, I am merely a rubber stamp, correct?”
He called on all commissioners to attend official meetings according to the agenda for the benefit of the nation and the people, confirming the next meetings are scheduled for 11 and 13 August.
