Panel submits probe results on THAI debt

The Transport Ministry on Tuesday submitted the findings of a probe into alleged irregularities involving 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 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 2.4b baht annually and overtime payments were also around 2b baht. 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.<br/>