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Ex-PM Thaksin and 4 others face NACC probe for THAI’s purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft

13 Sept 23:51 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has initiated an investigation into former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and four others.
The probe focuses on their collective role in the 2003/4 purchase of ten Airbus A340 aircraft, valued at approximately 53 billion baht.
This acquisition is blamed for significant financial losses at Thai Airways International (THAI), with the fleet incurring at least 39 billion baht in operational losses from 2005-2013, and cumulative losses from mismanagement exceeding 62 billion baht.
Further issues include 3.5 billion baht worth of unused reserve engines and poor maintenance of the decommissioned planes, severely hindering their potential resale.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.