United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Thai Airways corruption probe targets 20 more suspects
An ongoing investigation at flag carrier Thai Airways has flagged at least 20 more people suspected of various corrupt activities.
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport started a probe in the summer alongside a restructuring of the cash-strapped business.
Investigations have focused on an aircraft order dating back to 2003 and questionable overtime payments made in the mechanics department.
"The commission found that the mechanics’ department had disbursed more than THB6 million to 567 staff as overtime pay for 1,500 hours per year. This will require further investigation into the reason and necessity of disbursing such a large amount as overtime pay," said Saroj Nimjaroen, deputy head of the investigation commission.
Most of the suspected corruption offenses or mismanagement relate to periods befoe the Covid pandemic, but left the airline in a vulnerable financial position to cope with the downturn in global travel.
Thai Airways recorded net losses for seven of the past 10 years.
It made a net loss of THB28 billion ($927 million) for the first half of 2020.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations