The NBTC board meeting failed for the 11th time. Dr. Sorn announced he would attend the first court inquiry in his lawsuit against the Selection Committee. Meanwhile, Ms. Pirongrong questioned why he cannot step down, revealing that the remaining six board members have already held private discussions.
On 16 Sep 2026 at the NBTC office, the 11th board meeting since the dispute over Dr. Sorn Boonbaichaiyapruck's position as chairman was scheduled. At 9:39 a.m., Dr. Sorn entered the meeting room alone as usual. Meanwhile, Mr. Torpong Sela-non and Police General Natthaworn Pruesuntorn, who often join online, sent letters excusing their absence due to overseas commitments. Mr. Sompop Phurivikraipong, normally absent, also notified he could not attend. Similarly, Lt. Gen. Thanaphon Hraijaroen, Mr. Supach Supachalasai, and Ms. Pirongrong Ramsut—three commissioners who have consistently refused to attend meetings chaired by Dr. Sorn—were absent.
At 10:02 a.m., Mr. Trairat Wiriyasirikul, acting NBTC secretary-general, announced that the meeting lacked a quorum and postponed it to 23 Sep 2026. He read agenda items from three letters Ms. Pirongrong submitted, highlighting 22 urgent issues awaiting board consideration, including the Supreme Administrative Court ruling, satellite orbit usage rights, and consumer complaints.
Dr. Sorn then held a press conference, stating that many might see the repeated events as a replay of old theatrics: holding board meetings as before but seeking different outcomes. He affirmed that legally he remains NBTC chairman, responsible for convening meetings and setting agendas. "Currently, many agenda items await consideration. The board should find common ground, reduce conflicts, and avoid internal political strife within this independent organization. The current situation damages the board's reputation financially and operationally. If a vote lacks unanimity, discussions should continue, and unanimous agenda items can proceed. This is not the first time the board has legally disagreed."
Dr. Sorn added he urges the media to investigate who benefits from forcing him out. "This is not a matter of karma or past deeds, but the media must examine why there is a push for me to resign early. I have served four and a half years with one and a half years remaining. During this time, many developments have rapidly changed the landscape, including digital TV, satellites, data centers, and AI. Those changes may threaten certain interests—this needs investigation."
Subsequently, three commissioners—Lt. Gen. Thanaphon, Mr. Supach, and Ms. Pirongrong—jointly held a press conference, stating that the six remaining board members have informally discussed matters with a more positive outlook. It is now clear that Mr. Sompop, who usually excuses himself from meetings, today stated he could not attend with the chairman present. Ms. Pirongrong said Dr. Sorn attended the meeting alone, clearly showing the majority board’s position. "Regarding the chairman’s call for media investigation into who wants him removed, we instead ask why Dr. Sorn cannot step down. What is the reason?"
A reporter further reported that on 21 Sep 2026, the Central Administrative Court will hold the first inquiry in the case where Dr. Sorn is suing to annul the Selection Committee’s decision that deemed him disqualified and required him to relinquish his NBTC board position. Dr. Sorn told reporters he plans to attend the hearing in person for the first time.
