On January 2, 2025, Mr. Saroj Phuengrumpun, Secretary-General and spokesperson of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced the Commission’s decision to indict two former executives of Thai Airways International for corruption. Mr. Prit Boopakam, former Acting Managing Director for Cargo and Postal Services, and Mr. Poonsak Chumchuay, former Director of Cargo Sales, were implicated in fraudulent dealings regarding an Aircraft Block Space Agreement with Southern Air Inc. (SAI) signed on October 1, 2009.
The investigation revealed that in December 2009, Mr. Prit approved payments for landing and navigation fees that were Southern Air's responsibility under the agreement. Mr. Poonsak later confirmed these payments, resulting in Thai Airways improperly covering $19,892.31 in fees. The practice continued until August 2011, causing total damages of $10,550,653.17.
The NACC concluded their actions constituted severe disciplinary and criminal misconduct under the State Employees Act of 1959 and the Organic Act on Anti-Corruption of 2018. The case has been forwarded to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution and to their respective supervisors for disciplinary action. Thai Airways has also been instructed to seek restitution for the damages.