Court rules against embattled NBTC chief

The Central Administrative Court has dismissed a petition from NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck seeking to overturn a ruling that allowed for his removal from the position. The court stated that Dr. Boonbaichaiyapruck had not yet suffered a legally actionable injury and that the prime minister needed to submit the matter for royal consideration before any removal could occur.

The court also noted that the selection committee's decision to remove him was subject to royal consideration and could not be dismissed as not yet taking legal effect. Dr. Boonbaichaiyapruck had requested an injunction to halt the committee's ruling, the submission of the matter for royal consideration, and the appointment of a replacement chairman.

The court ruled that the refusal to remove Dr. Boonbaichaiyapruck was supported by Section 20 of the Frequency Allocation Act, which prohibits board members from being employees or contractors of state agencies or local administrative bodies. As a result, the court dismissed Dr. Boonbaichaiyapruck's requests for temporary protection and the selection of a replacement.