Embattled NBTC chairman’s appeal against removal rejected by the court

The Central Administrative Court has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, the embattled chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), challenging the ruling of the selection committee disqualifying him as chairman.

In the lawsuit, Dr. Sarana asked the court to suspend the selection committee’s ruling, so that he can continue to perform his duties as the NBTC chairman, and to suspend the selection of a new chairman until there is a Royal Command removing him from the post.

The court refused to accept his lawsuit for consideration on the grounds that the selection committee had already found him at fault, for violating the Frequency Allocation and Sound Broadcasting, TV and Telecommunications Regulation Act, and had disqualified him as the chairman, rejecting Dr. Sarana’s challenge to the legitimacy of the committee’s ruling.

Regarding the prime minister’s role in this case, the court cited the opinion of the Council of State, which says that, under the Act, it is the responsibility of the prime minister to present details of the case when seeking a Royal Command to remove Dr. Sarana from his post.

There is no reason for the prime minister to go against the opinion of the Council of State or the court and the NBTC can resume functioning and hold meetings as normal, according to the court.

The court concluded by ruling that selection committee’s decision is final and enforceable.