AoT seeks extension in 11.8 million baht corruption case

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has sought additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding allegations of corruption involving an 11.8 million baht (US$362,500) contract at Phuket International Airport. The contract, intended for posting stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, is under scrutiny for possible irregularities.

The NACC’s Phuket office is examining budget allocation, median price determination, procurement methods, and authorisation processes in their investigation. Phu Khao Advertising Co Ltd is at the centre of the allegations, with claims that procurement regulations were breached.

Notably, sticker sheets were installed from July 17 to July 18, despite the auction being scheduled for July 19, suggesting preemptive action before bid openings, said Suwat Saowarat, Director of the NACC Office in Phuket.

“The NACC was not [formally] informed about the case, and no one from AoT has reported the corruption case directly to us, which raises doubts.”

Phasaramon Kanchanawanit, AoT’s Director of Corporate Communications, acknowledged that disciplinary action has been ordered against the Deputy Director of Phuket International Airport and three senior staff members for alleged corruption. However, specific details regarding the punishments remain undisclosed due to internal policies and an ongoing review by the AoT committee.

Despite inquiries, AoT officials have refrained from providing further information beyond an online notice issued in August. The notice quoted AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat, indicating that an internal investigation had concluded and disciplinary actions would follow against those found guilty.

Local Thai media reports have named the four individuals implicated in the investigation, although AoT has not officially confirmed their identities. Phasaramon clarified that the investigation was handled internally, and the matter was not reported to the PACC or the NACC.

Airport corruption

Phasaramon revealed that the AOT has its policies in place to investigate and discipline employees directly, adding that the AoT conducted its investigation and imposed appropriate punishments.

The NACC in Phuket continues to oversee the case, with Director Suwat clarifying the jurisdictional boundaries between the NACC and the PACC. Corruption cases involving amounts over 500,000 baht (US$15,360) fall under the NACC’s remit, while those below this threshold are managed by the PACC.

AoT’s request for an extension follows their failure to meet the NACC’s initial deadline for submitting evidence. Suwat noted that the NACC Phuket set a deadline of September 25 but AoT requested more time, citing that necessary documents were located at their main office in Bangkok, reported The Phuket News.

“The AoT main office in Bangkok is now officially under investigation by the NACC branch in Bangkok.”

Suwat added that the central NACC office has accepted the case for further inquiry.