Former THAI executive wants probe into grounded fleet

A former senior executive of THAI has asked the prime minister to investigate the grounding of 10 Airbus A340 aircraft bought by the carrier in the face of objections to the purchase. Filing his request at the Govt House complaints centre Thursday, Yothin Pamornmontree, a former VP of the airline, called for an inquiry into the purchase of the Airbus A340-500s and A340-600s which are currently not being used. The deal should be studied for its transparency and investment worthiness, Yothiun said. The airline had proceeded with the purchase even though the National Economic and Social Development Board had objected to it. Use of the aircraft had caused an annual loss of THB3-5b, and so they had to be grounded. They were parked at Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports, he said. <br/>