A leaked audio clip indicating the prime minister was not happy with the 14 telecom regulator candidates, which led to the selection being scrapped by the National Legislative Assembly, was doctored, says a whip. Somchai Sawaengkarn, secretary of the NLA whips, said on Saturday that the NLA president would set up a panel to look into the clip as it damaged the assembly's reputation. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha also denied meddling with the NLA's decision. Political sources have said that Gen Prayut might invoke Section 44 to further extend the existing panel's term so that it can prepare for a critical frequency auction this year. Each member may appoint advisers (120,000 baht a month per adviser), working panels and subcommittees as they see fit.

Source: Bangkok Post April 21, 2018 09:29 UTC