4–3 vote scraps THB2.4 billion rural internet plan after fund misuse found
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission voted 4–3 to reject a THB2.4 billion rural internet extension, citing misuse of funds meant for research and development.
- Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) rejected a THB2.4 billion proposal to extend a rural internet service project in a narrow 4–3 vote.
- The primary reason for scrapping the plan was the proposed use of funds from an account specifically reserved for research and new initiatives, which was deemed an improper use for maintaining an existing project.
- Opponents of the extension also cited a lack of an updated needs assessment, questioning the value for money as some areas may now have commercial internet coverage.
- Following the vote, the NBTC Office has been ordered to conduct an urgent review to determine which remote areas still genuinely require state-supported internet.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) convened on December 1, 2025, to deliberate on a long-awaited agenda item: whether to extend the high-speed internet service contracts for marginalised communities (Zone C+) and remote areas (Zone C) under the Universal Services Obligation Net (USO NET) project, which are due to expire this year.
The NBTC Office had proposed a nine-month extension with a total budget of more than THB2.4 billion.
However, the meeting remained deeply divided before voting 4–3 against the proposal, effectively scrapping the extension.
The commissioners who opposed the plan were Air Marshal Thanaphan Raicharoen, Pirongrong Ramasoota, Suphat Suphachalasai and Somphop Purivigraipong.
Those in favour were NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Torpong Selanon and Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn.
Budget concerns and questions over real needs on the ground
Opposing commissioners argued that the NBTC Office had sought funding from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest (BTFP) Account 1, which is reserved for research and new public-interest initiatives.
They said the fund should not be used to extend or maintain existing projects, viewing the proposal as inconsistent with the purpose of the USO framework.
They also noted that no updated assessment had been conducted on whether high-speed internet remains essential or is effectively used in the target villages.
Since the project began several years ago, connectivity in many areas has changed significantly, with some communities now covered by commercial networks. Yet the proposal sought blanket extensions for all sites, raising concerns over value for money and transparency in the use of public funds.
Review ordered amid fears vulnerable communities could be left behind
An NBTC source said the rejection does not mean people in remote areas will immediately lose service.
Instead, the NBTC Office will be required to urgently review and reassess real needs, identifying which areas still require state-supported internet and which ones can rely on private-sector networks.
The goal, the source said, is to ensure that every budget spent genuinely improves people’s quality of life.
A telecom operator warned that without interim measures, basic communications for schools and state agencies in some subdistricts could be disrupted.
The government, they said, must ensure service continuity while the revised plan is being drafted.
