The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to vote for the new chairman on Sept 26 to replace ACM Thares Punsri, who will leave his seat on Oct 5 because he is 70 years old, the working age limit set by the NBTC Act.
Gen Sukit Khamasunthorn is a popular choice among the existing eight NBTC commissioners eligible to be chairman, said a high-ranking source at the commission.
NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the existing NBTC commissioners are working under six-year working terms that will end on Oct 6 this year. The NBTC Act that went into effect on June 23 this year states the government must undertake a recruitment process for new NBTC commissioners.
However, the new law allows the existing NBTC to keep on working with full authority governing telecom and broadcasting business until Oct 6. After that point they will become an acting NBTC until a new commission is officially appointed.
Mr Takorn said present NBTC commissioners can continue their responsibility after Oct 6, except for ACM Thares because of his age.