Progress in the NBTC dispute, which has dragged on for a long time: The original selection committee recently held a closed meeting to discuss the qualifications of Dr. Soran, chairman of the NBTC. They unanimously resolved that the selection board still has the authority to rule on legal disqualifications, even though the chairman claims the board’s term has ended.
On 8 May 2026 at 13:30, in room CA 429 on the 4th floor of the parliament building on Samsen Road, Dusit district, Bangkok, the Secretariat of the Senate convened the first meeting of the selection committee for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). They reviewed a long-pending complaint about the qualifications of Dr. Soran Boonbaichayapruk, chairman of the NBTC. This complaint has been unresolved for over three years and is seen as a factor undermining the organization's credibility.
Before the meeting, staff from the Senate Secretariat prepared the venue. In the afternoon, the NBTC selection committee members arrived at the meeting room under strict security measures to maintain order.
Outside the meeting room, reports indicated that among the seven selection committee members attending today’s meeting were Kiattipong Amatayakul from the Supreme Court, serving as chairman of the selection committee, and Wisanu Waranyu, a judge from the Supreme Administrative Court, serving as a committee member and secretary.
Also attending were Yupin Chalanonnivat, former auditor general, serving as a committee member, and Witai Ratanakorn, the new governor of the Bank of Thailand, who serves ex officio, succeeding Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the former governor whose term expired.
After a meeting lasting over three hours, Kiattipong Amatayakul, chairman of the selection committee, said there would be no press conference as the meeting was closed. However, a preliminary written statement will be issued. No conclusion was reached yet as further meetings are needed. He also declined to disclose the names of attendees.
Later at 18:00, it was disclosed that the selection committee resolved by majority vote that it has the duty and authority to determine the qualifications or legal disqualifications of candidates or those selected for NBTC board membership under the Radio Frequency Allocation and Broadcasting and Telecommunications Business Act of 2010. The committee will proceed with relevant actions accordingly.
Today’s meeting of the NBTC selection committee attracted attention because it involved the original committee reconsidering whether previously selected individuals still meet legal qualifications. It also addressed whether the selection committee retains authority to resolve issues arising from the initial selection process, while the NBTC chairman claims the selection committee’s term has ended following completion of its duties.