Pakorn pointed out that the government can issue an emergency decree to dissolve the NBTC board before the term expires, but it must be for urgent matters affecting the economy, national security, or public interest. He advised waiting for the Administrative Court's ruling on Dr. Saran's case this Friday.
At 9:05 a.m. on 22 September 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt spoke about the proposal for the Prime Minister to issue a royal decree to dissolve and reappoint the NBTC board, saying that according to legal provisions, issuing such an emergency decree must be for urgent necessity to protect economic security, national security, and the public interest.
When asked whether the current problems within the NBTC board, such as their inability to hold important meetings like drafting the digital TV master plan before license expiry in April 2029 and regulating OTP or over-the-top services, qualify as urgent matters, Pakorn said the issue is now before the Administrative Court. The court is set to read its verdict in the case where Dr. Saran Boonbaichaiyapruk, NBTC chairman, filed to revoke the selection committee's decision on 25 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. He believes a resolution will be reached but cautions against speculating on the judgment. He stressed that important matters with terms ending in 2029 still have time but acknowledged that these problems should have been addressed long ago, not just in the final two years. He believes preparations have likely been underway for some time.
When asked about the possibility of issuing an emergency decree to dissolve the NBTC board before the six-year term ends, Pakorn replied that he does not know and advised waiting for the court's decision first.