The head of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Dr. Sarana Boonbaichai, has presented new evidence to counter claims of conflict of interest that have led to a push for his removal from office. The developments coincide with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s request for royal approval to dismiss Dr. Sarana, a move Dr. Anutin stated was in accordance with legal procedures.
New Evidence Regarding University Affiliation
Dr. Sarana revealed on Tuesday that he obtained a document from Mahidol University confirming his official resignation from all positions at the university and its associated Ramathibodi Hospital on January 8, 2022. This date predates his appointment to the NBTC, which occurred on April 13, 2022. He explained that any medical work performed between January and April 2022 was undertaken as an independent specialist, primarily to ensure continuity of patient care during the transition period.
To further substantiate his claims, Dr. Sarana pointed to his 2022 tax filings. He noted that his income during that period was categorized as professional fees under Section 40 (6) of the Revenue Code, rather than a fixed salary typically associated with employment under Section 40 (1). This distinction, he argued, supports his assertion that he was not an employee of the university or hospital at the time of his NBTC appointment.
Background of the Conflict of Interest Allegations
The NBTC law mandates that commissioners serve full-time and prohibits them from holding other paid positions or engaging in activities that could lead to conflicts of interest. On December 22, 2021, the Senate had instructed five candidates, including Dr. Sarana, to relinquish any posts deemed incompatible with NBTC regulations by January 11, 2022, before their subsequent royal appointments.
The NBTC selection panel had reportedly received information suggesting Dr. Sarana maintained temporary employee status as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, receiving hourly payments from January 8 to April 12, 2022. Dr. Sarana has consistently denied this, stating he resigned from government service on January 8, 2022, and was neither a government officer nor an employee during the period in question.
Board Meetings Disrupted by Qualification Dispute
The controversy has led to significant disruptions within the NBTC. A board meeting scheduled for Tuesday was adjourned, marking the fourth consecutive meeting to fail since July 27. The adjournments have been caused by a boycott from four commissioners who cite concerns over Dr. Sarana’s qualifications as chairman. Previous meetings were similarly halted on the same grounds.
Dr. Sarana expressed skepticism regarding the selection committee’s swift conclusion of its investigation, which he stated took only 37 days without waiting for official clarification from Mahidol University. He suggested that the boycotts by fellow commissioners might be part of a strategic maneuver by opposing factions within the organization.
“It’s all a game. I can’t tell you exactly what they are thinking, but you can see the moves for yourself,” Dr. Sarana remarked to reporters following the aborted Tuesday meeting.
However, Pirongrong Ramasoota, one of the commissioners participating in the boycott, refuted the notion of a “game.” She stated that her actions stem from a genuine commitment to fulfilling her duties and upholding the integrity of the commission’s processes.
Questions Raised About NBTC Selection Committee
Dr. Sarana further contended that the pressure to expedite his removal is based on incomplete and disputed information. He also raised questions about potential irregularities within the NBTC selection committee itself. Specifically, he pointed to the alleged age of the committee’s chairman, who he claimed turned 70 in November 2023. This age typically triggers retirement for NBTC board members, and Dr. Sarana questioned why this issue had not been addressed, asserting that the same standards should apply to all.
In response to speculation that the internal conflicts were linked to the approval of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) budget, Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of the NBTC, dismissed these rumors. He clarified that such budget approvals require a full board resolution and cannot be unilaterally authorized by the chairman alone.
Prime Minister’s Stance
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated on Tuesday that his actions regarding Dr. Sarana’s potential removal are proceeding according to the law and due process. He also addressed concerns that Dr. Sarana’s dismissal could create a functional vacuum within the NBTC, stating that the remaining six commissioners are sufficient to carry out the commission’s duties.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Dr. Sarana’s position at the NBTC remains complex, with new evidence emerging alongside ongoing procedural and political challenges. The presentation of Mahidol University documents and tax filings aims to clarify Dr. Sarana’s employment status prior to his appointment, while the repeated adjournment of board meetings highlights deep divisions within the commission. The Prime Minister’s office maintains that the process is being handled legally, as the NBTC navigates this period of internal discord and scrutiny.
