Probe of THAI executive chairman to be complete in 3 weeks

BANGKOK, Dec 19 (TNA) -- National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI), which has suffered huge losses and is now in the process of overhauling operations and restructuring management, has appointed a committee to probe an excess baggage scandal involving its executive chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut, said chairman Ampon Kittiampon.

The three-man committee will look into the allegations in which Mr Wallop and his wife were accused of using his position to dodge excess baggage fees, Mr Ampon said.

They are accused of channeling their personal baggage via a special route to avoid paying taxes and fees on their flight from Tokyo to Bangkok last month. They are accused of carrying a combined load of 398 kg, much higher than the allowed 170 kg.

According to Mr Ampon, the scandal would cost at least Bt200,000 in lost revenue for THAI.

He said an investigation would be conducted ato determine whether any other national airline officials had cooperated with Mr Wallop in evading the normal payment of taxes and fees, and that the investigation committee would complete its probe within three weeks.

Mr Wallop is taking leave until the investigation is completed. (TNA)