On August 11, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, revealed that he had requested a royal command for the removal of Clinical Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck from his position as Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), affirming that he has strictly followed all procedures.
The Thai PM addressed reporters that Dr. Sarana’s issue has created a vacuum within the NBTC, Anutin stated that there are still remaining commissioners that can fulfill the role. The NBTC is an independent organization, he reiterated, as such the government cannot directly supervise it, only offering cooperation, as all decisions must be up to the NBTC itself.
Previously, the NBTC board unanimously voted to disqualify Dr. Sarana as chairman, citing Section 8(2) of the Frequency Allocation Act (NBTC Act). The board stated that he had relinquished his right to accept the position of NBTC chairman from the outset, as he continued to serve as an hourly-compensated physician at Ramathibodi Hospital up to just one day before the royal appointment. His role in a public hospital is considered governmental employment, which is a prohibited characteristic under the NBTC Act.
However, Dr. Sarana has contested the board’s decision, claiming that his physician work ahead of the appointment is a patient handover process, a standard medical procedure. He emphasized that he did not do it as a hospital worker, nor did he intend to engage in the role as a government official.
Furthermore, he alleged that there are no clear legal guidelines on conducting the inquiry on his role, while also dismissing the board’s decision. Dr. Sarana has long insisted on retaining his position as NBTC’s chair, which has effectively rendered the board inoperable due to lack of clarity on his authority, as any unauthorized move could lead to an investigation, or potential criminal charges.
