Bangkok: The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) board meeting has failed for the third time due to a lack of quorum, highlighting ongoing tensions within the commission.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was once again postponed after failing to meet quorum requirements. This follows a previous attempt on August 5th that also did not proceed as planned. The meeting collapsed shortly after NBTC Chairman Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruk arrived, prompting three commissioners-Prof. Dr. Pirongrong Ramsoot, Air Vice Marshal Dr. Thanapan Hraicharoen, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supach Supachalasai-to leave the room.
Two commissioners were absent, while one requested to attend online. The absent commissioners emphasized their belief in the supremacy of the selection committee's decision and expressed concerns about the legal implications of any vote taken during such meetings. They called for urgent intervention by the Prime Minister, the responsible authority, to resolve the issue. Although the commissioners have expressed willingness to meet privately to discuss potential solutions, no meetings have occurred, and they anticipate similar outcomes if further meetings are scheduled without resolution.
Dr. Soran maintained that he has acted lawfully, noting that there has been no official order to suspend him from his duties. He has reached out to the Prime Minister for fairness, arguing that there are no regulations allowing for his suspension through a vote in the commission's meetings.