Three BOCOT Commissioners Issue Statement on Special Meeting Amid Chairmanship Dispute

Key summary

On October 23, 2026, three members of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (BOCOT)—Air Marshal Dr. Thanapan Yorayacharn, Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramsoot, and Associate Professor Dr. Suphat Subchala-sit—jointly released a press statement clarifying facts regarding four special meetings held by the commission. The group asserts that these meetings were conducted within legal frameworks to prevent administrative paralysis. They addressed five key points: the legal status of remaining commissioners and quorum requirements; confirmation that no meeting tapes were deleted and minutes were signed on October 22, 2026, by Associate Professor Dr. Suphat acting as temporary chair; concerns regarding the refusal of acting secretary-general Mr. Trairat Viriyasirikul to attend meetings despite invitations; the ongoing process for selecting a new chair pending royal approval; and the obligation to notify the Senate within 15 days of a vacancy. The statement also included legal counter-arguments questioning the application of specific sections of the Frequency Allocation Act regarding Dr. Saran Boonbai-chaiyaphruk's disqualification and the timing of royal decrees.