Unsatisfied lawmaker criticizes NBTC over unfinished headquarters
Rukchanok Srinork, a People's Party MP for Bangkok, is calling out the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for incompetence and financial mismanagement, particularly in relation to their 2.6-billion-baht headquarters project. This ambitious project, initially scheduled for completion in 2022, has encountered significant delays and is now facing contract cancellation.
The design work for this grandiose office began in 2013, with construction starting in 2019. However, repetitive design revisions and the Covid-19 pandemic have slowed progress significantly[1][3]. These design changes often lead to increased costs, as Ms. Srinork points out[1][2]. Alongside the initial 2.6-billion-baht budget, an extra 100 million baht was spent on project design and supervision[1][2].
Suspicions surrounding the NBTC's budgeting processes have been raised. Unlike other state agencies, the NBTC seems to have the authority to first approve its own budget, without the need for Budget Bureau approval[1][3]. Furthermore, the NBTC's office building construction project has not been subject to inspection or approval by the House of Representatives[1].
Part of the NBTC's revenue is generated through collecting up to 2% of revenue from holders of broadcast licences. This self-sustaining income source could potentially influence unchecked spending[3][4]. Ms. Srinork has also questioned the NBTC's expenditure of 600 million baht on World Cup viewing rights[3].
Ms. Srinork has highlighted various instances of internal dysfunction within the NBTC. For instance, the organization has not appointed a secretary-general for over five years[2][3]. Additionally, there appears to be tension between officials who favor telecom firms and those advocating for neutrality[2][3].
The NBTC has yet to respond to these allegations as of press time[3]. The House committee has demanded the Commission submit project documents for review within 10 days[2][4]. The saga surrounding the NBTC's headquarters continues to unfold, with questions remaining about the organization's management and accountability.
- Rukchanok Srinork, a People's Party MP for Bangkok, criticized the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for the incompetence and financial mismanagement in the 2.6-billion-baht NBTC headquarters project, initiated in 2013 with construction starting in 2019.
- The project, initially planned for completion in 2022, has encountered significant delays due to repetitive design revisions and the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to increased costs as noted by Ms. Srinork.
- Suspicions have been raised over the NBTC's budgeting processes, as the Commission appears to have the authority to approve its own budget without Budget Bureau approval, and the building project has not been subject to inspection or approval by the House of Representatives.
- Ms. Srinork also questioned the NBTC's expenditure of 600 million baht on World Cup viewing rights and highlighted instances of internal dysfunction within the organization, such as the lack of a secretary-general for over five years and tension between officials favoring telecom firms and those advocating for neutrality.
