Thai AirAsia has denied allegations of ticket fraud after complaints surfaced online about failed bookings and unreturned payments. The airline attributed the issue to a malfunction in its application, AirAsia MOVE Thailand, managed by an external supplier.
The controversy began when Esor News, a popular local Facebook page, shared the allegations on December 1. The post claimed that the airline had accepted payments for ticket reservations only to inform customers that their bookings were unsuccessful, with no refunds issued. Esor News alleged that over 100,000 people had been affected.
The claims gained traction when Gossipstar, an entertainment news Facebook page, echoed similar concerns, citing a personal incident where the page administrator faced payment delays and app buffering while booking tickets. The administrator opted for an alternative payment method to avoid potential losses.
Prominent Thai news anchor Sorayuth Suthassanachinda of Channel 3 reported on the issue on December 2, confirming that the airline in question was Thai AirAsia. The company clarified that the problem stemmed from its application, operated by a supplier company that acknowledged the issue and was working on a resolution.
Esor News continued to press the airline, alleging inadequate communication with affected customers. Victims claimed they were directed to an unhelpful AI chatbot or received no responses to their messages. Comments from users shared on Esor News detailed significant financial losses, some recounting unresolved disputes dating back years.
Thai AirAsia has urged the public to await an official statement from the app’s supplier. Meanwhile, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has faced criticism for perceived inaction, though no official response from the agency has been issued.
As of now, neither the airline nor the supplier has released a formal update on the matter, leaving affected customers seeking answers and accountability.
