Witness hearing on the 1998 THAI plane crash starts

Several witnesses testified on Wednesday for the plaintiffs in a Bt130million lawsuit against Thai Airways International (THAI) and a group of its former executives.

The lawsuit stemmed from the crash of a THAI Airbus 310204 in Surat Thani eight years ago.

The accident killed more than 100 people, including the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Pinit Vechasilpa, whom THAI publicly blamed for the crash.

However, documents later showed that the plane's mechanical condition and THAI's negligence in maintaining the plane were to blame for the fatal accident.

Upon discovering the documents, Pinit's wife Wing Commander Ratchaneewan and her two children initiated the Bt130million lawsuit against THAI and 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 310204 that crashed in Surat Thani underwent major repairs four months prior to the 1998 accident, but major electrical problems and many other faults persisted. The problem and the errors were reported without further maintenance to ensure that the plane was safely 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 [the airport] twice and was about to circle a third time when it crashed," Ruangsak said. He offered his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims.

The Nation