Bangkok: An NBTC consultant has come under scrutiny following allegations of sexual harassment against a female employee during a seminar. Dr. Prem revealed in Parliament that certain advisors from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) had engaged in inappropriate conduct but had kept the incident under wraps. Despite his resignation in hopes of resolving the issue, the victim's parents have not accepted this resolution. The acting Secretary-General of the NBTC has announced the formation of an investigation committee, with findings anticipated by October.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate meeting, led by First Vice President of the Senate, General Kriangkrai Srirak, reviewed the NBTC's 2024 performance report and addressed issues related to the NBTC's performance monitoring, inspection, and evaluation report for the office and the Secretary-General. During the meeting, Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura raised concerns over the NBTC's decision to host a meeting in Phuket from December 6-8, 2023, as part of the Regulatory Network Meeting (RNM 2023) project. Initially, a budget of 5 million baht was set for the seminar, later reduced to 3.2 million baht, but eventually increased to 7.6 million baht by the NBTC budget committee. Additional funds were allocated for international attendees, with 2.6 million baht used for airfare for some associates, invited via email outside the NBTC office's official capacity.
Dr. Premsak highlighted that during this period, incidents of sexual harassment and coercion to suppress the truth took place. Despite the resignation of a close NBTC advisor involved, citing health issues, no accountability has been established. Dr. Premsak questioned the NBTC's silence and called for clarification from the NBTC Chairman and Secretary-General on the matter.
Mr. Trirat Wiriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, assured that an investigative committee has been formed to address the allegations, with results expected by October.