Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board meeting collapsed once again, marking the fourth consecutive time this has occurred due to the absence of a quorum. The meeting was disrupted when three board members left the room, repeating a familiar pattern of noncompliance with quorum requirements.
According to Thai News Agency, the NBTC board, which scheduled its meeting today following previous cancellations on August 5th and 6th, faced another setback as three members - Air Vice Marshal Dr. Thanapan Hraicharoen, Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramsut, and Dr. Supach Supachalasai - exited the meeting. Their departure followed the arrival of Professor Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruk, the NBTC chairman. The members expressed concerns over the legality of any forthcoming votes, which they feared might impact future board decisions.
In an interview following the incident, Dr. Pirongrong explained her reluctance to engage in political maneuvering. She expressed a sentiment of marginalization within the NBTC office but affirmed her commitment to her role, noting the unresolved nature of conflicts after the Central Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit regarding her qualifications filed by the NBTC chairman.
On the other hand, Dr. Soran, the NBTC chairman, clarified his position by stating that he had received confirmation from Mahidol University regarding his resignation on January 8, 2022, and affirmed that he did not receive any medical examination reimbursements from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. Dr. Soran declared his intent to continue serving as the chairman until an official royal decree mandates his removal.