The Status of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)’s Status as a State Independent Organization

Abstract

     The roles and responsibilities of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) are increasingly crucial in the digital society and economy. The NBTC, as an independent organization established under the Act on Organization to Assign Radio Frequency and to Regulate the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Services B.E. 2553 (2010), plays a vital role in regulating and overseeing the broadcasting. The operations of the NBTC as a regulatory body often have a wide-ranging impact on the public. As people heavily rely on electronic devices for information, news, and communication, the NBTC’s overall responsibilities are significant. This article discusses the general duties of the NBTC to help readers understand the legal intentions regarding its independent status. It emphasizes that legally, the NBTC is an independent regulatory agency that should operate free from pressure, both commercially and politically. Based on the writer’s analysis, the NBTC is legally mandated to be independent from political influence and business interference. Therefore, it should be an expert organization free from any external influence that is not compliant with the law. Additionally, the NBTC, in performing its duties, should prioritize protecting individuals’ rights in communication, promoting public service principles and transparency, as well as fostering fair competition in broadcasting which are crucial for Thailand’s electronic communication in the future.