A prominent senator has proposed dissolving the entire board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to resolve a protracted leadership dispute that has effectively paralyzed the telecommunications regulator. Senator Premsak Phuttanaraksa suggested this drastic measure as a means to end the ongoing conflict and restore the NBTC’s operational capacity.
Leadership Dispute Cripples NBTC Operations
The crisis stems from a July resolution by the NBTC selection committee, which deemed Chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck unqualified to hold his position. This ruling has been contested by Dr. Sarana in the Central Administrative Court, and he has continued to serve. However, a significant number of NBTC commissioners have refused to recognize his authority, leading to repeated boycotts of meetings and a failure to achieve the necessary quorum for decision-making.
This deadlock has had tangible consequences, delaying crucial decisions on matters such as the operations of the Thaicom 4 satellite and essential digital television transition measures. The paralysis at the NBTC raises concerns about its ability to effectively regulate the rapidly evolving telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
Questions Raised Over Selection Committee’s Legality
Senator Premsak has publicly questioned the validity of the selection committee’s resolution, citing potential legal irregularities. He specifically raised concerns about the qualifications of the committee members themselves and whether proper quorum requirements were met during the vote that disqualified Dr. Sarana.
One key point of contention is the participation of Vitai Ratanakorn, the recently appointed Governor of the Bank of Thailand. Senator Premsak questioned whether Mr. Ratanakorn was eligible to vote, as he was not an original member of the selection committee. Furthermore, concerns were voiced regarding Kiatipong Amatayakul, the Supreme Court’s representative on the committee. Senator Premsak suggested that Mr. Amatayakul might no longer meet the qualifications stipulated by the Frequency Allocation Organisation Act, particularly concerning age limits.
The senator emphasized that if even a single member of the selection committee lacked the requisite qualifications, the entire resolution, including its quorum and ultimate legality, could be challenged. This legal uncertainty further complicates the already tense situation.
A Call for a Complete Reset
Senator Premsak expressed skepticism that the current dispute could be resolved through existing channels, noting that the selection committee considers its decisions final. Consequently, he has urged Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to refer the matter to the Senate for review. He also implored Senate President Mongkol Surasajja to ensure that the issue undergoes thorough Senate scrutiny, rather than being bypassed and returned directly to the government for royal endorsement.
The senator’s most significant proposal is for Mr. Anutin to initiate a complete overhaul by dissolving all seven current NBTC commissioners. This would pave the way for a new, comprehensive selection process. Senator Premsak believes this decisive action would not only end the prolonged internal conflict but also serve to restore public confidence in the regulatory body.
He pointed out that the current commissioners have just over a year remaining in their terms, making a fresh start a potentially viable and less disruptive long-term solution. This approach, he argued, would effectively “reshuffle the deck” and allow for a more stable and effective leadership.
Addressing Vested Interests and the Need for Decisive Action
When questioned about potential vested interests influencing the NBTC, Senator Premsak suggested that the Prime Minister possesses the legal authority to intervene if he concurs with the proposal for dissolution. He stressed the importance of decisive leadership, stating, “What is needed is the courage to make a decision.” The senator warned that the continuation of the current uncertainty would inevitably hinder the NBTC’s ability to perform its essential functions and fulfill its mandate.
The ongoing stalemate at the NBTC highlights the critical need for a swift resolution. The regulator’s inability to make timely decisions on significant industry matters poses a risk to the stability and growth of Thailand’s telecommunications and broadcasting landscape. Senator Premsak’s call for dissolving the board represents a bold attempt to break the deadlock and re-establish effective governance at a crucial juncture.
