NBTC Chairman Dr. Soran Ruled Ineligible

Post Today•Economy•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The NBTC selection committee unanimously voted that Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek lacks the qualifications to be NBTC Chairman.

•The NBTC selection committee ruled Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek ineligible due to receiving wages as a doctor at Ramathibodi Hospital.
•Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek may file for temporary protection from the Administrative Court.
•The ruling creates a potential vacuum affecting the digital TV roadmap, Thaicom 4 satellite extension, and spectrum auctions.
•The Senate must notify Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to proceed with the royal appointment process.

•The NBTC selection committee ruled Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek ineligible as Chairman because Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek still received wages as a doctor at Ramathibodi Hospital.
•Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek has consistently explained that Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek left the medical profession before becoming an NBTC member and only provided care for long-term patients without being an employee.
•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to return from China on the evening of July 20, 2026.
•The first NBTC board meeting after the selection committee's vote is scheduled for July 27, 2026.
•A potential vacuum may stall the digital TV roadmap (2026-2030), the extension of Thaicom 4 satellite usage before July 31, 2026, and spectrum auctions planned for late 2025 or early 2026.
•National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) board refused to extend the Thaicom 4 satellite period due to energy, safety, and insurance concerns, referring the matter to the NBTC board.
•The Senate, acting as the selection board secretary, must inform Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to move toward royal endorsement.
•Speculation exists regarding a new chairman, mentioning Supach Chalasai, Police General Natthorn Phunsunthorn, or a candidate from the blue side.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek(นพ.สรณ บุญใบชัยพฤกษ์)

The person ruled ineligible as the Chairman of the NBTC.

Anutin Charnvirakul(นายอนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล)ℹ️

The Prime Minister who must be notified regarding the selection process.

Supach Chalasai(กสทช.ศุภัช ศุภชลาศัย)

An NBTC board member mentioned as a potential candidate for chairman due to seniority.

Police General Natthorn Phunsunthorn(กสทช.พลตำรวจเอก ณัฐธร เพราะสุนทร)

An NBTC board member mentioned as a potential candidate for chairman.

Trairat Wiriyasirikul(นายไตรรัตน์ วิริยะศิริกุล)

The acting Secretary-General of the NBTC.

NBTC(กสทช.)

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.

Ramathibodi Hospital(โรงพยาบาลรามาธิบดี)ℹ️

The hospital where Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek was reported to have received wages.

Senate(วุฒิสภา)ℹ️

The body acting as the secretary of the NBTC selection board.

Administrative Court(ศาลปกครอง)ℹ️

The court where Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek may seek temporary protection.

Thaicom Public Company Limited(บริษัท ไทยคม จำกัด (มหาชน))

The company requesting an extension for the Thaicom 4 satellite.

National Telecom Public Company Limited(บริษัท โทรคมนาคมแห่งชาติ จำกัด (มหาชน))ℹ️

The organization (NT) that refused the satellite extension request.

United States of America(สหรัฐอเมริกา)ℹ️

The location where Dr. Soran Boonbaichaiyapruek was staying.

China(จีน)ℹ️

The location Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is returning from.