The corruption probe followed a slew of online reports questioning the procurement process involving the installation of the see-through stickers at the airport.
“AoT is investigating a case involving the installation of see-through stickers at Phuket Airport, where executive-level employees have been found guilty of serious disciplinary offences,” said a notice posted on the national AoT website.
“Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, CEO of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AoT), addressed the situation, which was initially reported in the media. The issue involves the hiring of a company to print and install see-through stickers to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, 2024. The process used was not transparent and did not follow proper procedures,” the notice confirmed.
“Recognising the potential impact on AoT’s reputation as a publicly listed company, AoT launched an investigation through a fact-finding committee, as per Order No. 1866/2567 dated Aug 6, 2024.
“The investigation, concluded on Aug 16, 2024, revealed three major violations: (1) setting an unreasonably high median price, (2) using a procurement method that did not comply with the Government Procurement and Material Management Act B.E. 2560, and (3) allowing the contractor to install the stickers before the contract was officially signed,” the AoT notice continued.
“As a result, AoT has charged four executive-level employees with serious disciplinary offences related to these issues. A disciplinary committee will be established to determine appropriate punishments, following AOT’s regulations and relevant laws.
“AoT remains committed to upholding principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure the sustainable growth of its airport operations,” the notice concluded.
While the AoT official notice did not name the four AoT Phuket officials to face “appropriate punishments”, a report by MGR Online identified the four as:
- Jirattikul Eiamhiran, Deputy Director of Phuket Airport (Operations and Maintenance)
- Peera Akkhachai, Director of the Business Support Division at Phuket Airport
- Pakin Sirichan, from the Airport Department (Operations and Maintenance Division)
- Mr. Wiwatana Aimchoi, Director of the Supplies Division at Phuket Airport
All four have been relieved of their current duties and reassigned to work at the AoT head office, performing tasks “as directed by AoT”.
Phuket airport General Manager Mr Mochai was not named as involved in the scandal.
Of note, AoT Phuket, led by Phuket airport General Manager Monchai Tanode, has yet to publicly recognise the corruption probe ordered by AoT President Mr Kerati. Local government news channels in Phuket also have yet to publicly recognise the order.
BUMPER YEAR
AoT has reported a significant financial upturn for the first nine months of the 2024 fiscal year, spanning October 2023 to June 2024.
AoT, which manages six major airports ‒ Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai (CEI), Phuket (HKT) and Hat Yai (HDY) ‒ achieved a net profit of B14.91 billion, marking an increase of B9.551bn, or 178.23%, compared with the same period last year.
During the nine months, AoT’s total revenue soared to B50.764bn, reflecting a 53.32% increase, AoT reported.
The growth was driven primarily by a 53.59% rise in income from sales and services, totaling B17.567bn. Aviation-related revenue reached B23.268bn, up by B7.31bn (+45.81%), compared with the previous year.
Non-aviation revenue also saw a substantial increase, amounting to B27.078bn (+60.98%), adding B10.257bn more than the same period last year. Total expenses for AoT reached B29.58bn, up by B5.651bn (+23.62%).
AoT President Dr Kerati attributed the strong financial results to the robust recovery in foreign tourism to Thailand and various government measures aimed at stimulating the economy.
Over the nine months, AoT recorded a total of 548,514 flights, an increase of 15.51% from the same period last year, including 308,500 international flights and 240,014 domestic flights. Passenger numbers reached 90.14 million, up by 21.17%, with 54.6mn international passengers and 35.54 million domestic passengers.
Dr Kerati highlighted that AoT had implemented advanced technology and innovative passenger service systems across its six airports to improve service efficiency. The improvements significantly reduced passenger processing times, with the average international arrival process now taking just 26 minutes per person, down from the original target of 40 minutes. Similarly, the international departure process has been reduced to 37 minutes per person from a target of 55 minutes, while domestic arrivals and departures have been streamlined to 15 minutes and 25 minutes per person, respectively, from their original targets of 35 and 40 minutes.
AoT also launched a campaign to boost Thailand’s tourism market through initiatives aimed at encouraging airlines to establish new flight routes at all six AoT-managed airports, including offering incentives such as discounts on aircraft take-off and landing fees, aircraft storage service fees, and service fees for using the airplane bridge.
“These measures are designed to expand aviation networks and stimulate airlines to introduce new routes, further enhancing Thailand’s position as a key travel destination,” said the AoT report.