TG executives under investigation

Thai Airways International’s board has formed an investigation committee to probe into allegations that executive chairman, Wallop Bhukkanasut, abused the airline’s excess baggage conditions on a flight from Tokyo to Bangkok.

The committee will have three weeks to complete the investigation.

THAI board chairman, Ampon Kittiampon, denied flight safety had been compromised as speculated by local media.

“ANA, our ground handling agent, reported the weight accurately including the excess baggage. This is very important and I want to make it clear to the public that safety was not compromised.”

Mr Wallop is accused of using his position to authorise 398 kg of excess baggage for him and his wife, on a flight Tokyo to Bangkok, 14 November. There are also allegations that the couple by-passed customs control and had their luggage delivered to the lost baggage channel at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Mr Wallop and his wife travelled first class and are Royal Orchid Plus members, which gave them together 120 kg of excess baggage. If an excess baggage charge had been applied on the additional 278 kg, they would have needed to pay around Bt200,000.

Mr Wallop has denied the charges claiming he was the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign.

THAI executive vice president, Pruet Boobphakam, was on the same flight, but in business class. He was travelling with about 110 kg excess baggage that the airline believes belonged to Mr Wallop. The area director for Japan and Narita station manager are also being investigated.

Until the case is concluded, Mr Wallop is taking leave, while a member of the board, Kanit Saengsuwan, has been appointed to act in Mr Wallop’s position until the investigation committee reaches a conclusion.