The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all costs towards Thaksin Shinawatra, the previous prime minister, and three others in the Thai Airways (THAI) corruption saga. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused in the case.
Pichet yesterday disclosed the commission’s ruling. The aforementioned people were initially charged with neglect of duty regarding their involvement within the procurement of plane. The acquisition process was reportedly marked by corruption and mismanagement, resulting in an increased debt burden on THAI, thereby contributing to the monetary predicament of the airline, as per the investigation team.
During Unbelievable , Pichet talked about that the fee has dismissed costs in opposition to himself, Thaksin, former THAI board chairman Thanong Bidaya and former THAI president Kanok Abhiradee.
The path of accusations began in December of last year when the NACC indicted Thaksin, Pichet, Thanong, and Kanok for dereliction of responsibility. Former industry minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit was also implicated initially however was later dismissed from the list of accused. The NACC talked about that the elimination of Suriya from the probe was as a result of adequate proof suggesting his non-involvement within the procurement of the 10 aircraft, reported Bangkok Post.
The timing of this disclosure created a buzz amongst critics because it coincided with the scheduled return of Thaksin from a self-imposed exile abroad later this month. However, Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, declared yesterday that her father has decided to defer his return because of the unstable political climate.
Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the secretary-general of NACC, had previously stated that the commission had approached Thaksin, Pichet, Thanong, and Kanokwith a letter demanding them to current their clarifications on the charges.
Between 2002 and 2004, underneath Thaksin’s administration, the Thai Cabinet permitted THAI’s plan to acquire 10 A340-500 and A340-600 plane amounting to a complete expenditure of 53.5 billion baht (US$1,545,282,765)..