Rolls-Royce Bribery Scandal Case Verdict: Thanong Cleared of Charges
In a recent turn of events, the long-standing bribery case involving Thanong Bidaya, former finance minister, and Kaweepan Ruengpaka, former vice-president for finance at Thai Airways International (THAI), has been dismissed. On April 29, 2025, Thailand's Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases imposed their verdict, citing insufficient evidence as the primary reason[1][2].
The historic proceedings revolve around allegations of bribery in deals involving Rolls-Royce engines for THAI's aircraft fleet, dating back to 1991-2005[2]. The court's decision follows the admission of misconduct by UK-based Rolls-Royce in its dealings with Thailand[1][2]. The total payments made to intermediaries tied to Thai officials and THAI employees amounted to approximately $36.3 million (1.28 billion baht)[2].
The case's roots can be traced back to disclosures made by the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in 2017[1][2], which initiated the Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) investigation despite initial reluctance from prosecutors[1][2]. The NACC chose to press charges after the Office of the Attorney General declined to pursue the case, subsequently sending it back for reconsideration[1].
The NACC's investigation led to the indictment of Thanong (former THAI chairman) and Kaweepan for allegedly violating the State Employees Offences Act[1]. Despite the NACC's efforts, the acquittal brings an end to the case, with the court finding no conclusive evidence to support the charges[1].
In stark contrast to the allegations, the historic corruption case involving Thanong Bidaya and Kaweepan Ruengpaka has been dismissed due to insufficient evidence presented. This case, revolving around bribery in deals involving Rolls-Royce engines for Thai Airways International's aircraft fleet from 1991-2005, was initially sparked by disclosures made by the UK Serious Fraud Office in 2017. Despite the Office of the Attorney General initially declining to pursue the case, the Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission chose to press charges and indicted Thanong and Kaweepan for violating the State Employees Offences Act. However, the acquittal brought an end to the case, with the court finding no conclusive evidence to support the charges, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the realms of politics, general news, and crime-and-justice.
