Court dismisses Sarana’s suit over NBTC disqualification ruling

The Central Administrative Court has rejected Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck’s challenge to a decision that he could not serve on the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

The court ruled on Friday (September 25, 2026) that he did not meet the requirements to serve as a commissioner because he continued working as a doctor and receiving payment after taking office.

It also found that the committee responsible for selecting NBTC commissioners had followed the required procedures and given him a chance to explain the facts.

The committee had reached its decision in a unanimous 4-0 vote on July 21.

Sarana took the case to court on August 3, arguing that the committee had gone beyond its powers by reviewing his position after he had already been selected and approved.

He also challenged the way the review had been conducted.

The court said Sarana’s explanations had focused more on the committee’s authority and whether its members were impartial than on the facts concerning whether he could hold the post.

The Central Administrative Court had initially refused to hear the case.

Sarana challenged that decision, and the Supreme Administrative Court ordered the lower court to consider it.

The lower court then fast-tracked the proceedings and scheduled a hearing to establish the facts.

Sarana has 30 days to ask the Supreme Administrative Court to review the latest decision.

It remains unclear whether he will take that step.