The Transport Ministry on Tuesday submitted the findings of a probe into alleged irregularities involving Thai Airways International (THAI) to the Finance Ministry for further action.

The report was submitted by Khomkrit Wongsomboon, head of a panel set up by the Transport Ministry to examine factors that played a major part in landing the struggling airline deep in the red.

According to Mr Khomkrit, irregularities were found in air ticket sales, overtime payments to technicians and the procurement of Airbus A340 planes in 2003-2004 among others, which contributed to huge losses.

Overtime payments should not exceed 1,500 hours annually but about 200-300 technicians picked up 2,000-3,000 overtime hours.

Salaries and expenses for technicians were estimated at 2.4 billion baht annually and overtime payments were also around 2 billion baht.



Mr Khomkrit said the Transport Ministry is leaving the matter in the hands of the Finance Ministry because THAI is no longer a state enterprise and therefore is not under its supervision.

The airline lost its status as a state enterprise when the Finance Ministry reduced its stake in the airline to below 50%.

According to Mr Khomkrit, the findings will also be handed to the prime minister and the National Anti- Corruption Commission (NACC).

"If they find irregularities it will be up to them to decide what action needs to be taken. In principle the NACC is responsible for the probe. But because the Finance Ministry owns 49% of shares, it is expected to make the initial move.

As for the prime minister, it depends on him," he said.



The national carrier has run up debts exceeding 244 billion baht and the Central Bankruptcy Court has set Sept 14 for a ruling on whether it should enter rehabilitation.