Witnesses testify in THAI case
Several witnesses testified yesterday in a major civil case lodged against Thai Airways International (THAI) and a group of its former executives.
The lawsuit stemmed from the crash of a THAI Airbus 310-204 in Surat Thani eight years ago. The accident killed more than 100 people, including the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Pinit Vechasilpa, whom THAI publicly blamed. But documents later showed that the plane's mechanical condition and THAI's negligence in maintaining it were actually to blame. On discovering the documents, Pinit's wife Wing Commander Ratchaneewan and her two children initiated the Bt130-million lawsuit against THAI plus six employees and executives, some of whom have since left their posts. The civil lawsuit named as defendants THAI, Kanok Abhiradee, Thamnoon Wanglee, Pilot Officer Chusak Pachaiyuth, Wing Commander Supachai Limpisawat, Chief Warrant Officer Kobchai Srivilas and Pisit Kusalasaiyanon. Kanok, Thamnoon and Pisit are former THAI presidents. Ratchaneewan and her two children are seeking Bt130 million plus interest of 7.5 per cent. The amount includes Bt20 million for Pinit's death, Bt20 million for defamation and Bt10 million for the family's mental anguish. The Civil Court yesterday summoned plaintiffs' witnesses to testify. Taking the stand were a THAI pilot, aircraft experts and famous singer Ruangsak Loychoosak, a survivor of the crash. According to the pilot, the Airbus 310-204 that crashed in Surat Thani underwent major repairs four months prior to the 1998 accident, but major electrical problems and many other faults persisted. Because no further maintenance was officially required at that point, however, the plane was falsely reported as ready for use. "THAI has had three such Airbus planes. One of them crashed in Kathmandu. Another crashed in Surat Thani. THAI has tried to sell off the remaining aircraft," the pilot witness told reporters on condition of anonymity. Ruangsak, better known as "James", said he simply told the court what happened on the flight and how the pilot warned all passengers to buckle up when they encountered turbulence. "The pilot circled twice and was about to circle a third time when it crashed," Ruangsak said. He offered condolences to the victims' families.
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