The Supreme Administrative Court has ordered the Central Administrative Court to accept the case filed by Dr. Sorn against the NBTC Selection Committee and to consider his request for a temporary injunction. Dr. Sorn expressed gratitude to the court and called for the NBTC members to resume joint meetings together.
At 12:30 on 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) reported that the Supreme Administrative Court ordered the Central Administrative Court to accept the lawsuit filed by Dr. Sorn Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC Chairman, who sued the NBTC Selection Committee seeking to revoke its decision No. 1/2569 dated 21 Jul 2026, which ruled that Dr. Sorn was disqualified from holding the position of NBTC Chairman from the outset. The court also instructed the Central Administrative Court to consider any requests concerning temporary measures before the final judgment in Dr. Sorn’s case.
The Supreme Administrative Court reasoned that the NBTC Selection Committee’s decision No. 1/2569 dated 21 Jul 2026, regarding the qualification or disqualification of the NBTC Chairman, affects Dr. Sorn’s legal status or rights and constitutes an administrative order under the Administrative Procedures Act of 1996. Dr. Sorn has therefore suffered or may suffer unavoidable harm or damage due to the Committee’s actions. Remedying such harm requires a court order to revoke the Committee’s decision. Under the Administrative Court Act of 1999, Dr. Sorn is entitled to sue in the administrative court. The court upheld Dr. Sorn’s appeal.
Additionally, the amended Act on Frequency Allocation and Regulation of Radio, Television, and Telecommunications Enterprises (Fourth Amendment) B.E. 2564 (2021) stipulates that the NBTC Selection Committee’s decisions are final. The Committee informed Dr. Sorn of his right to sue in the administrative court in the notification letter. Thus, Dr. Sorn was not required to seek remedies before filing the lawsuit. Given that Dr. Sorn’s staff received the notification of the Committee’s decision on 22 Jul 2026, his filing of the lawsuit on 3 Aug 2569 (note: likely a typographical error in original year) was within the legally prescribed timeframe. Therefore, the court accepted Dr. Sorn’s lawsuit for consideration.
The Supreme Administrative Court disagreed with the Central Administrative Court’s earlier order to dismiss the lawsuit and remove it from the docket. It reversed that order, directing the court to accept Dr. Sorn’s lawsuit for consideration and to rule on his request for temporary measures before the final judgment.
:"NBTC Chairman, Your Honor" (Note: fragment, no translation needed)
Following the court’s acceptance of the lawsuit, the NBTC Chairman issued a statement expressing his respect for and acceptance of the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling. He thanked the judicial process for thoroughly considering legal and factual issues throughout. He reaffirmed that he has performed his duties with adherence to law, integrity, and the national interest, despite differing opinions or disputes.
“I believe all parties should respect the judicial process and accept the legal conclusions as the basis for moving forward,” he said. Dr. Sorn also stated,
“From now on, the most important issue is not the individual but enabling the NBTC to fully perform its duties with unity and to proceed with important pending tasks that impact the public, the nation, and the public interest. I therefore call upon all NBTC members to cooperate by returning to perform their duties and attend NBTC meetings together.”
Dr. Sorn further added that differences and conflicts should be set aside to focus on fulfilling the legal responsibilities to the best of their abilities. “I am ready to work with all NBTC members respectfully, listening to each other, and prioritizing the nation’s interests. Today should not be about winners or losers but about the NBTC coming together to work wholeheartedly so that the organization can move forward steadily.” He expressed gratitude to NBTC members, executives, staff, the public, and the media, and reaffirmed his commitment to performing his duties with integrity, carefulness, fairness, and within the bounds of the law.