Bangkok:The acting secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has addressed ongoing internal conflicts within the board, highlighting concerns over the digital TV roadmap and Thailand's representation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) forum.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairat Wiriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, held a press conference to clarify the organization's operations amid internal conflicts. He emphasized the ambiguity surrounding board resolutions and their impact on critical domestic and international missions.
Mr. Trairat explained that the internal conflict partly stems from debates over the status of NBTC Chairman Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruk, following a court ruling. While the chairman continues his duties under the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act, the appeal process has raised concerns about legal implications crucial for NBTC operations.
He noted that the six remaining commissioners have conducted separate meetings without a chairman, but the NBTC office has only partial information from media reports, limiting its ability to verify meeting details and assess the legality of resolutions.
The NBTC office had proposed solutions, such as a joint letter from all board members or electing a new chairman under Section 20, paragraph five. However, these options have not been pursued. Concerns also exist about the deletion of meeting audio recordings, affecting transparency and accountability.
Mr. Trairat warned of the legal risks associated with implementing board resolutions, particularly those with financial implications, as they could lead to lawsuits or investigations. He emphasized the need for legal principles and verifiable processes to protect the NBTC's staff from such risks.
Regarding rumors of an emergency decree to dissolve the NBTC board, Mr. Trairat dismissed them as baseless speculation. He expressed concerns about Thailand's preparedness for ITU meetings, which could affect the country's eligibility for the ITU Executive Council and its role in global telecommunications policy setting.
The internal conflicts have also left the TV Digital Roadmap unclear, affecting policy setting and law enforcement. The NBTC's decision-making process must be clear and legally implementable to maintain Thailand's role in the international telecommunications arena.