It’s a case that’s been brewing for over thirty years, and today the spotlight is on former finance minister Thanong Bidaya as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases deliberated over his fate. On a rather tense Wednesday morning, Thanong, once a pivotal figure in Thailand’s financial landscape, was released on bail. His arraignment spurs from bribery allegations tied to a controversial deal involving Rolls-Royce engines for Thai Airways International (THAI) that dates back decades.
The lawsuit, unfurled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), charges that Thanong contravened the State Employees Offences Act during his tenure as both THAI chairman and the airline’s long-term investments adviser. Also standing in the courtroom was Kaweepan Ruengpaka, THAI’s former vice president for finances, facing similar accusations. Notably, the NACC proceeded when the Office of the Attorney General opted out, essentially tossing the legal ball back to the NACC’s court.
In a terse press release, the court declared that it had accepted the lawsuit against the duo, setting an October 7 date for them to enter their pleas. Despite the gravity of the allegations, both defendants were granted bail with stern conditions—they can’t leave the country without a court-approved hall pass.
The gingerly launched NACC probe stemmed from bombshell revelations in January 2017, when Rolls-Royce confessed to the British Serious Fraud Office (SFO) about its financial misconduct. According to their statements, Rolls-Royce disclosed they had greased palms to the tune of approximately 254 million baht. The scheme? To finesse their way into a deal with the Thai government for Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines for six Boeing 777 aircraft and Trent 500 engines for seven Airbus A340 aircraft.
The British court documentation spun an elaborate web of bribery, transpiring between 1991 and 2005, involving colossal payouts of around US$36.3 million—an eye-watering 1.28 billion baht. The payments, channeled through “regional intermediaries,” implicated several shadowy figures, including “agents of the state of Thailand and employees of Thai Airways.” And so, an investigation ensued.
By August 2022, the NACC had pinpointed Thanong and Kaweepan, signaling their breach of the State Employees Offences Act as the legal shutters came down. As the courtroom drama picks up steam, the forthcoming hearing promises more revelations, ensuring that this long-stewed saga is far from over.
I can’t believe it took them 30 years to bring charges against Thanong. Justice delayed is justice denied!
Better late than never! Corruption should always be stamped out, no matter how long it takes.
That’s quite naive, Jane. By the time they face charges, the damage is already done. What’s the point?
I see where you’re coming from EliteThinker, but at least this sends a message to corrupt officials.
Typical corruption in high places. How long before they get off with a slap on the wrist?
Sadly, probably sooner than we think. The rich and powerful always seem to find a way out.
Actually, many high-profile cases end in significant sentences. Don’t just assume the worst.
I guess we’ll see what happens on October 7, but I’m not holding my breath for real justice.
So many layers to this. Rolls-Royce and Thai government officials are both to blame here.
Exactly, it takes two to tango in these corruption cases. Both parties should face the music.
Why is everyone surprised? Corruption exists everywhere, not just in Thailand.
Rolls-Royce should be held accountable too. Bribing officials is just as bad as taking bribes.
Indeed, but international corporations often get away with just paying fines. It’s frustrating.
True, corporations can afford these fines easily. It’s just the cost of doing business.
It’s such a broken system. The rich keep getting richer while ethics go out the window.
Thailand needs to strengthen its legal system to prevent this kind of corruption from happening again.
Strengthening the legal system is easier said than done. Corruption runs deep.
No doubt. It’s a huge task, but not impossible. The fight against corruption must start somewhere.
This scandal is a black mark on Thai Airways. How can passengers trust the airline now?
Exactly, Linda. Public confidence is hard to rebuild once it’s shattered.
Interestingly, airline scandals aren’t as uncommon as people think. Remember Malaysia Airlines?
This case shows the long reach of corruption. It took international investigation to bring it to light.
Kaweepan Ruengpaka should also face severe consequences. A vice president involved in such corruption is unacceptable.
True, but let’s see what evidence the court presents. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
What happened to the other involved officials? Are Thanong and Kaweepan just scapegoats?
That’s the big question, Paul. Many minor players might never face charges.
It’s frustrating. The public deserves full transparency.
All this corruption and greed for engines that pollute our environment. It’s sickening.
While I agree, we must also acknowledge that aviation technology has greatly improved efficiency.
Improved efficiency is just a bandaid. We need a total overhaul of our approach to travel.
I wonder what this means for Rolls-Royce’s reputation internationally. Can they recover from this?
As someone who flies often, this is very unsettling. What other airlines might be involved in similar scandals?
The aviation industry is definitely not spotless. I wouldn’t be surprised if more scandals come out.
This case illustrates the complexity of international legal systems working together to tackle corruption.
How can anyone have faith in our governments and major companies anymore? It’s all so corrupt!
Not everything is corrupt, but we must demand higher standards from those in power.