Bamboo Airways Ex-Chairman Barred from Leaving Vietnam Over $1.7M Tax Debt

Le Thai Sam, former chairman of private carrier Bamboo Airways, has been temporarily prohibited from leaving Vietnam due to the airline's accumulated unpaid taxes exceeding VND44 billion (US$1.7 million). The Gia Lai provincial tax authority sent a notice on September 3 to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security requesting the temporary exit ban. Sam was identified as the beneficial owner of Bamboo Airways. As of September 3, the airline owed more than VND44.06 billion in taxes to the provincial tax authority. Officials stated that the restriction could be lifted once Bamboo Airways settles the outstanding debt through the National Public Service Portal. Under Vietnamese regulations, a beneficial owner is an individual who ultimately owns or controls a company, including someone who directly or indirectly holds at least 25% of its charter capital or voting shares. Sam joined Bamboo Airways in 2022 and soon became its largest shareholder. He served as chairman from July 2023 to February 2024 before moving to the position of standing vice chairman. He returned as chairman in August 2025. About a month later, the investor group he represented transferred the airline back to property developer FLC Group, its former owner. At the time, Sam explained that the financial and managerial demands of continuing to own and operate Bamboo Airways had exceeded the investor group’s capabilities. He also pledged to take responsibility for the airline’s operating performance during its restructuring period. Sam stepped down as chairman in mid-November 2025 but remained a member of Bamboo Airways’ board of directors. He is also general director and legal representative of Viet Bamboo Airways Cargo JSC and several other companies linked to Bamboo Airways. Nearly a year after returning to FLC’s management, Bamboo Airways continues to face serious operational difficulties. The airline is currently operating just one aircraft and has suspended regular domestic services. Information source: VnExpress International