Report MP Criticises NBTC Over Abandoned Headquarters and Spending Practices

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Photo: Bangkok Post

 

Rukchanok Srinork, an MP representing the People's Party in Bangkok, has leveled accusations of incompetence and financial mismanagement against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Her criticisms follow the cancellation of a planned multi-billion-baht headquarters project for the NBTC.

 

Originally budgeted at 2.6 billion baht, the office building was intended for completion in 2022. However, the construction contract was scrapped following repeated requests from the NBTC to alter the building's design, coupled with delays attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. The initial design commenced in 2013, and construction began in 2019.

 

Ms Rukchanok emphasized that frequent design changes typically escalate costs. In addition to the main budget, an extra 100 million baht was allocated for design and supervision. She has indicated that a full review of the construction plan and project's bill of quantities should be available within ten days.

 

As part of the House committee on state budget planning and spending, Ms Rukchanok noted the NBTC's unusual autonomy in undertaking such large-scale projects without requiring Budget Bureau approval or oversight from the House of Representatives. This independence stems from the NBTC's revenue model, which includes collecting up to 2% of revenue from broadcast licence holders, yielding several billion baht annually.

 

 

 

Further adding to her critique, Ms Rukchanok questioned the NBTC's budgetary approval process and expressed concern over spending decisions, such as a 600 million baht investment in World Cup viewing rights. She also highlighted issues with the NBTC's internal management, citing the lack of a designated secretary-general for five years and alleged undue influence from telecommunications companies.

 

Ms Rukchanok remarked on the NBTC's ineffective handling of critical issues, such as fraudulent SMS messages from scam syndicates and unauthorized internet access along border areas, pointing to leadership shortcomings.

 

As of now, the NBTC has not offered a response to these allegations. The situation underscores ongoing scrutiny over fiscal accountability and operational efficacy within Thai regulatory bodies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-30