Led by TV producer Kowit Phothisan, the Thai PBS employees argue that the selection process was not legitimate and petitioned the court for a hearing to consider whether the appointment was contrary to legislation governing the public broadcasting service.

The suit names Narong Petprasert, chairman of the policy committee, as well as committee members Pranee Tinakorn, Somsri Hananuntasuk, Chatchawan Thongdeelert, Somphant Techaatick, Ladavan Bua-aim, Teerapat Sanguankotchakorn, Rungmanee Mekhasobhon and Pipat Chanasongkram.

Along with the committee members, the lawsuit also targets the selection panel consisting of Dej-Udom Krairit, Boonyuen Siritham, Phairoj Pholphet, Topong Selanont, Kosol Songniam and Boonyou Khorpornprasert.

Journalism experience

In January, a group of 42 Thai PBS employees submitted a letter to the chairman and other members of the policy committee and selection panel seeking an explanation about the selection process and appointment of Kritsada Ruengareerat as the new director-general.

Two thirds of the nine-member Thai PBS policy committee voted to confirm Krissada for the position.

Krissada, 50, was one of five candidates selected in a process that began on October 26. He had worked as a manager at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) since 2010 and, according to the committee, proved himself in tasks related to branding |and marketing communications.

However, the plaintiffs say the new chief lacks professional journalism experience and that contradicts the Thai PBS law passed in 2008.

Section 32 (3) of Thai PBS Act BE 2551 (2008), which deals with the director-general’s qualifications, says the candidate “shall have knowledge, skill or experience in radio or television broadcasting or mass communications”.

The employees expressed concern that the new director’s qualifications may not match those specified by the act.