Set-up of 'super board' delayed to January

The Senate has decided to set up a panel first to examine the histories and ethical behaviour of the 10 final candidates for seats on the super board.
A majority of senators, 81 out of 107, yesterday voted that the 25-member panel be set up and that it complete its examination of the candidates in 30 days. The Senate now is expected to vote to select the super board’s five members in January.
Senator Anurak Niyomvet cited Article 279 of the Constitution, which states that when persons are appointed to posts that can execute state authority, their ethical behaviour must be taken into account.
On Monday the Senate shortlisted 10 candidates for the five seats of the super board.
Two candidates – General Thavatchai Samusakorn and Laksami Srisompetch, vice chairman of Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce – come from the broadcasting arena. Another two – former senator Pichai Utamapinun and General Jiradet Kotcharat – have TV broadcasting experience, while former senator Anant Worathitipong and Mahanakorn University of Technology lecturer Amornthep Jiratthiticharoen have telecom backgrounds.
Those with backgrounds in broadcasting consumer protection are acting NBTC deputy secretary-general Prasert Apipunya and Pansak Jantapaya, former adviser to Justice Ministry. The two with human-rights backgrounds are General Boonyawat Kruehong and the former permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Jadet Insawang.
Members of the super board will each have a three-year term, which will not be renewed. Their role will be to evaluate the NBTC’s performance and report to Parliament.