Bangkok: Chaos erupted at today's meeting of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), resulting in its abrupt cancellation due to a lack of quorum. This marks the fourth consecutive meeting to be cancelled after three NBTC commissioners, Air Vice Marshal Dr. Thanapan Hraicharoen, Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramsut, and Dr. Supach Supachalasai, decided to walk out of the meeting room.
According to Thai News Agency, the walkout occurred after the appearance of Professor Dr. Saran Boonbaichaiyapruk, Chairman of the NBTC. The three commissioners feared that any vote at the meeting might be illegal and affect the validity of future NBTC board resolutions. As a result, 44 urgent agenda items out of a total of 99 pending items could not be brought before the meeting for consideration.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong gave an interview expressing her unwillingness to engage in political games and lamented working at the NBTC, describing herself as a second-class citizen. However, she affirmed her commitment to continuing to perform her duties to the best of her ability. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the qualifications of the NBTC chairman remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Soran, Chairman of the NBTC, clarified that he had recently received confirmation from Mahidol University that he had submitted his resignation on January 8, 2022, and that he had not received any remuneration for medical examinations. He also firmly affirmed that he will continue to perform his duties as Chairman of the NBTC until a Royal Decree is issued to relieve him from the position.