A NBTC representative, left, receives a letter from the digital TV association's representatives on July 27.
The development of policies and strategic initiatives by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) could be delayed by the deadlock caused by the ruling that the chairman lacks the qualifications to hold office.The NBTC board meeting on July 27 was aborted as three commissioners boycotted the session over the NBTC selection committee's ruling on July 17 to disqualify chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck. The three members refused to recognise the chairman's authority to preside over the session.
The deadlock is expected to continue, with the next NBTC meeting scheduled for Aug 5. Dr Sarana said he remains legally in office until a royal command formally relieves him of his duties.
Some commissioners asked Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to step in to resolve the dilemma using legal options. On Monday, Mr Anutin said the government must wait for a resolution from the Senate on the case before the administration could proceed.
An executive at the NBTC who requested anonymity said this "crisis" could affect policy development at the regulator, including the 2030 digital TV roadmap, a plan to develop a national digital TV streaming platform, spectrum management and future spectrum auctions, satellite licensing and orbital resource management.
