THAI seeks Bt670m in compensation from PAD leaders

On November 24, national carrier Thai Airways International filed a lawsuit against 36 individuals for disrupting its flight schedule by leading the illegal occupation of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

THAI is seeking Bt575.22 million in damages for revenue lost from the cancellation of flights as well as for the compensation it had pay passengers affected by the disruption.

Those named as defendants in the THAI case include core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), namely Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Pipob Thongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk and Somkiat Pongpaiboon, as well as Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Other defendants include actor Saranyu Wongkrajang, former MP Chaiwat Sinsuwong, former senator Maleerat Kaewka, retired Army officer General Pathompong Kesornsuk, anti-graft campaigner Veera Somkwamkid, and labour union leaders Sirichai Mai-ngam and Sawit Kaewwan.

Meanwhile, on November 23 the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand filed a separate case against Chamlong and 13 others seeking Bt103.48 |million in compensation for |lost business during the airport takeover.

The first hearing for both cases has been scheduled for February 22.

Last year, the defendants led thousands of PAD followers to the airports on November 26, seizing the airports until December 3. The protest was aimed at removing then-prime minister Somchai Wongsawat when the People Power Party held the reins of government.

Niruj Maneephan, a senior THAI executive in charge of legal affairs, said yesterday the compensation sought was the actual damage suffered by the national airline during the seizure of the airports.

"Our company is adhering to the principle of good governance. We try to ensure justice for all parties involved, including those being sued. As a state enterprise, the company has the legal right to take action, otherwise we could be attacked for dereliction of duty," he said.

Last year, one day after the PAD seized the airports, the Airports of Thailand filed a civil case against 12 leaders of the group seeking Bt150 million in damages.

In a related development, the police officer in charge of investigating criminal charges against the PAD leaders said yesterday the probe was almost complete and that the investigators were analysing recordings of protest leaders addressing the crowds.

"We need to be careful to protect our investigators from lawsuits," investigation chief assistant national police chief Lt-General Somyos Pumphanmuang said.

"I can't say if the investigation report will be available within this year, but we will try to complete it as soon as possible because this is a high-profile case."