The Prime Minister has signed the royal decree removing Dr. Sarun Boonbaichaiyapruck from his position as Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). He confirmed that all procedures were properly followed and denied government interference in the independent agency.
On 11 August 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about signing the royal decree per the NBTC selection committee's resolution to remove Dr. Sarun Boonbaichaiyapruck from the NBTC chairmanship due to disqualifying conditions. He said, “Yes, that is correct. Everything followed the proper procedures and processes.”
When asked about academics expressing concerns that Dr. Sarun's departure creates a leadership vacuum for the NBTC's ongoing work, Anutin responded that there are still remaining commissioners. He said this is a matter for the independent agency, and the government cannot comment further. The government cannot supervise but only cooperate if any issues arise. The NBTC, as its name states, is an independent organization. He reaffirmed that all steps were properly followed and insisted he had no ill intent, acting according to legal advice from both government legal teams and personally.