The NTBC board meetings have failed four consecutive times due to a lack of quorum, leaving 44 urgent agenda items pending. Perspectives differ on whether this is a political game. The board calls on the Prime Minister to unlock the organizational crisis. Dr. Soran insists on proceeding with appealing the court's order.
On 11 August 2026 at 09:30, at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NTBC) office, another board meeting was convened following three consecutive failed attempts due to insufficient quorum. The same issue occurred today: as Professor Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruck, NTBC chairman, entered the meeting room, three NTBC members—Air Marshal Dr. Thanaphan Raichaerng, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoot, and Mr. Supach Supachalasai—walked out, exercising their legal right to "reserve the right not to attend the meeting for legal reasons." This again resulted in a lack of quorum and the meeting could not proceed, marking the fourth consecutive failure of the NTBC board meetings.
Subsequently, Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong revealed that the members' decision to reserve their right not to attend was not a political game but fulfilling their appointed duties. She noted that some social groups misunderstand that members are playing political games to discredit the organization and appear divided, whereas in reality, they are the ones being targeted and sued in multiple cases.
“Frankly, we do not want to play games. This is our duty entrusted by royal appointment. Despite rumors and attempts to discredit us by suggesting discord among members, we are the ones being sued in civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Sometimes we joke that we feel like the 'second NTBC office,' yet we still perform our duties to the fullest. If anyone is playing games to discredit and push for a royal decree to dissolve the NTBC—caused by a single individual unable to convene meetings—I ask the media to exercise discernment.”
She also emphasized the latest administrative court ruling that dismissed the case and refused to suspend the enforcement of the Selection Committee's decision, which under Article 15 of the Frequency Allocation Organization Act means the chairman forfeited his rights and was disqualified since early 2022. The members maintain they are not playing games but fulfilling their duties.
“Once the royal decree is issued, it will be retroactive to the date of the ruling that the chairman forfeited his rights starting early 2022. If we allow him to participate in meetings and vote, those resolutions may be legally invalid and unenforceable. Who will take responsibility? Critical issues like satellites, digital TV, and the future of channels would all be affected.”
Air Marshal Dr. Thanaphan stated that he had already sent a letter to the NTBC office indicating that the administrative court had dismissed the petition, meaning the Selection Committee's ruling is final. It states that Dr. Soran forfeited his rights and was ineligible to serve as a member from the start. Therefore, when Dr. Soran attends, the members cannot participate in the meeting.
“I compare it to a monk who has committed a parajik offense; even if he retains his monastic rank pending removal, he is no longer a monk and cannot participate in monastic acts. Similarly, a soldier dismissed by court order cannot continue serving even if awaiting rank removal. I am ready to meet with the other six members, but we cannot partake in anything improper.”
Regarding the backlog, letters have been sent repeatedly to the chairman. In 2024, 40 items remained pending; in 2025, 42; and by early 2026, 45 items were still pending, including Roadmap issues and media dissemination. It is not that they are neglecting duties but have continuously tried to expedite matters over the past three years. Since the administrative court did not grant protection or suspension, the process of submitting the royal decree for removal must proceed. The Prime Minister, as the acting official under the Act, must know how to unlock this impasse so work can continue.
. Dr. Soran responded firmly denying any disqualification. He intended to present important new evidence recently received from Mahidol University to confirm his innocence regarding the NTBC Selection Committee's ruling. Unfortunately, some NTBC members did not attend the meeting, so he addressed the media and broadcast the statement to all staff and employees. He hopes that after clarifying the facts, the members will resume their duties for the benefit of the nation and the public.
Regarding the administrative court's dismissal of the case on the grounds that he was not personally aggrieved, Dr. Soran explained this means the Selection Committee's ruling has no effect on his position or authority. Therefore, he insists he must continue to serve until a royal decree removes him. He also said the committee's claim that he forfeited his rights was incorrect, as legally forfeiture must occur before the Prime Minister submits the matter for royal approval.
He also presented a letter from Mahidol University confirming that he resigned from being an employee of the university and the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, effective 8 January 2022. From then until 12 April, he practiced medicine independently as necessary for patient referrals without receiving a salary from the university. Tax records for 2022 confirm that his income from January to June 2022 was from independent medical practice. He questioned why the Selection Committee rushed to conclude without waiting for the university's reply or thoroughly verifying the documents.
He further questioned the qualifications of the Selection Committee chairman, noting that the chairman’s membership should have ended on 10 November 2023 upon reaching the age of 70, applying the same standards as NTBC members. However, this issue was never raised. He said he will proceed with appealing the court order to confirm his innocence. The appeal process allows 30 days. He also said he does not know whether the Prime Minister has submitted the matter for royal approval.
Dr. Soran reiterated that practicing medicine on weekends is a constitutional right and freedom, as long as it does not conflict with his NTBC duties. When asked if this is a discrediting game, the chairman admitted frankly: “It’s all a game. I don’t know how you interpret the game.” He also revealed that “For the past four years, there has been constant pressure. I am determined to continue because it is my conscience to do what is right.”