Taiwan Travel Agencies Sue Angkor Airways Manager For Fraud
TAIPEI, May 13 Asia Pulse - Nine travel service companies laid an
accusation of fraud against Alex Lou, a managing director of Cambodia-
based Angkor Airways Corp., at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office
Monday after sustaining heavy financial losses caused by the airline's
abrupt suspension of flights.
Yao Ta-kuang, chairman of the Travel Agent Association of the Republic
of China Taiwan, said the companies -- all of which are Taipei-based
-- made the move after seeking assistance from the Consumer Protection
Commission (CPC) under the Executive Yuan.
Yao said CPC officials suggested that the travel agents take legal
action as this would be the most efficient way for the travel agencies
to get back money they have paid for advance bookings on flights
offered by the Phnom Penh-based airline between Taipei and Siem Reap
-- home to the world famous Angkor Wat complex.
In total, the travel agencies have sustained losses valued at over NT
$100 million (US$3.2 million) due to the suspension of the flights,
Yao said.
Lou was detained by prosecutors in Taipei May 1 in relation to an
alleged embezzlement scandal involving Taipei-based Far Eastern Air
Trans****tation Corp., which leases planes to Angkor Airways.
Lou was responsible for the financial management of Angkor Airlines'
Taipei branch, and without him, the branch faced insurmountable cash
flow problems, according to Angkor officials.
As a result, the carrier closed the branch Friday and tem****arily
suspended all its Taipei-Siem Reap flights, stranding many Taiwanese
tourists in Cambodia.
(CNA)
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