Bangkok: "Pirongrong," a member of the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission), is ready to convene immediately if "Dr. Saran" is absent. She clarifies that she's not rushing him to step down, but that it must be in accordance with the law. Pirongrong criticized those involved, saying they weren't the cause but must accept the consequences of answering media questions. She affirmed that the other six committee members are ready to convene immediately if Dr. Saran is absent. She emphasized that they are not rushing his removal, but want the meeting to proceed legally. She pointed out that judicial intervention might be necessary if he refuses to relinquish his position, as the digital TV roadmap cannot wait any longer.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Emeritus Dr. Pirongrong Ramsoot, a member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, gave an interview regarding the progress of the NBTC board meeting, stating that Dr. Soran had actually scheduled the meeting today. This meeting was scheduled after the Selection Committee's decision, which is final according to Section 15 (1) of the Frequency Allocation Act. The Selection Committee's decision remains in effect and is not protected by the court. Therefore, since the decision is final, it is in line with the interpretation that Dr. Soran has been removed from his position and relinquished his rights by operation of law, and cannot sit as the NBTC chairman. However, the NBTC office still scheduled the meeting, with the meeting notice stating that Dr. Soran is the chairman. This issue has become an obstacle because some board members do not want to attend the meeting because they do not want to do something that may be illegal.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that from yesterday's meeting, it was evident that Dr. Saran was the only one present, while the other six committee members did not attend. She emphasized that this wasn't solely due to the three committee members who gave interviews to the media; their continued statements didn't mean they were the only ones absent, but rather that all six committee members were absent. Therefore, it's necessary to analyze why all six committee members did not attend.
Regarding the situation, how will the NBTC board answer the public's questions, especially concerning digital television and the concerns raised by the Consumer Council about how these issues can move forward? Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that she could not speak on behalf of others personally, but confirmed that other work is still progressing. The absence of board meetings does not mean work has stopped; other tasks can still be carried out. She herself continues to work diligently, holding subcommittee meetings to consider various matters, including the roadmap related to the industry. She maintains constant communication with the industry to identify problematic issues or aspects of the roadmap that may be outdated and need updating.
One of the issues discussed was the National Streaming Platform, a future channel for accessing television. This online platform would provide a base for all traditional media channels. Additionally, there was a concept of issuing a "Must Find" regulation requiring connected TVs or Smart TVs to include these channels in their interface or home screen, making it easier for the public to access Thai television channels.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong explained that currently, each Smart TV brand has its own operating system and uses algorithms to present content. For example, Samsung uses Tizen, while some televisions use Google or Android. These algorithms lead viewers to FAST channels, or channels embedded in the television system first. There are currently many FAST channels, which may cause Thai television channels to not receive the visibility they deserve. Therefore, the NBTC has prepared guidelines on this issue, which will require additional regulations and are currently awaiting consideration. Another issue is HBBTV, or Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, which MCOT (Modernine TV) is currently experimenting with and testing. HBBTV is a hybrid television system that combines the traditional system, digital television, with online systems to help the public access television content more easily. The issue of HBBTV was not initially proposed during the roadmap development phase, but later, the NBTC worked further with the industr y to explore whether HBBTV could be added as middleware and what the approaches would be.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong emphasized that work has not stopped, and everyone with responsibilities is still working. She believes everyone has not ceased operations, but acknowledges that there is currently a bottleneck in terms of collaborative decision-making because the NBTC operates as a committee and requires joint deliberation.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that if there is any sign or clarity from the judicial branch, or if there are new developments on this issue that open the way for a resumption of meetings, it should be possible to convene immediately. Previously, the Prime Minister indicated that the matter had been submitted to His Majesty the King. Therefore, if there are new developments on this issue that allow for a meeting, she confirmed that she is ready to convene immediately. She has consistently emphasized that whenever a meeting is possible, she is ready to meet every day to expedite the completion of all outstanding work.
Regarding the previous proposal to invite all six committee members to another meeting, Prof. Dr. Pirongrong stated that this has already been done and the letters have been sent. She added that each committee member's decision must be respected, as some have indicated they do not wish for publicity and want to discuss the matter privately. Communication and discussions are ongoing, but due to the committee's structure, there may be some hesitation to act respectfully towards the former chairman or other factors.
The meeting invitation letters have already been sent out twice, and communication has been completed on the most recent occasion.
Regarding the risk of impacting the digital television industry if the situation remains stalled, Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that it is crucial to act urgently. Therefore, while board meetings are unable to resume, continuous discussions are necessary. She emphasized that she is consistently working to prepare for any additional issues that may need to be added to the roadmap or addressed when board meetings are possible again.
Regarding whether these matters would be prioritized as items for consideration if the board can reconvene, Prof. Dr. Pirongrong said that it would likely be, as there is currently no time left.
Regarding the possibility of resuming meetings, given the concerns of the public and businesses, especially those hesitant to invest due to uncertainty about the situation, Prof. Dr. Pirongrong stated that she understands these concerns and that the committee is making every effort. She noted that three committee members have publicly expressed their stance and readiness to meet. She added that this group of committee members has never been absent from the NBTC office, always ready to participate if Dr. Soran is unable to attend, thus ensuring a legally valid meeting can be convened. Similarly, if the NBTC office agrees to hold meetings for the remaining committee members, they are ready to join. This approach aligns with the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on August 31st, which allowed the remaining six committee members to continue performing their duties.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that all six committee members adhere to the Supreme Administrative Court's order. It is clear that after the Supreme Administrative Court's order on August 31st, two committee members who had previously attended meetings with Dr. Soran did not participate again. This reflects why these two committee members stopped attending. Even though they indicated they would be on standby and participate online, legally, failure to attend and report is considered as not having attended. Therefore, in the past two to three meetings, Dr. Soran was the only one who consistently attended. However, the NBTC office continued to send meeting notices stating that Dr. Soran was the chairman and the one calling the meetings, which is considered an obstacle.
Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that if a meeting were to be requested, there would be two main factors: Dr. Soran and the NBTC office. Regarding Dr. Soran, he would have to make a sacrifice, as she understands he may feel that he has not yet received royal approval and still has pending cases. However, from her perspective, the cases are irrelevant because they were filed by Dr. Soran in a personal capacity, and there is currently no injunction against the court. Therefore, the selection committee's decision remains in effect as long as there is no court protection.
Regarding why it is believed that Dr. Soran is still insisting on holding his position and attending meetings as the chairman of the NBTC, Prof. Dr. Pirongrong said she did not know and that the question should be directed to Dr. Soran himself.
Regarding Dr. Soran's communication about the reasons for his absence from the meeting and whether there was urgency in removing him from his position, Professor Dr. Pirongrong stated that she was not in a hurry and that this matter did not concern her at all. The situation arose from the unanimous decision of the selection committee. When Dr. Soran filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court, and the court issued a ruling, that matter also did not concern her. She even wanted the meeting to take place and did not want Dr. Soran to leave; she simply wanted the meeting to continue and the work to move forward. This is not about whether Dr. Soran stays or not, but about the committee members wanting to meet and keep the work in progress. She also expressed her weariness and frustration at having to answer questions when she did not cause these problems. She added that if you look back at the root cause of the problem, it doesn't stem from other committee members, but rather they are bearing the brunt of the c onsequences of the situation.
Regarding contingency plans for the public should the situation be unable to move forward, as many parties perceive