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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.
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