Thai Airways board meets over service crisis as CEO Chai Eamsiri faces scrutiny

Thai Airways International’s board is holding a special meeting at about 10am on Friday (October 2) to review the airline’s ground-service crisis at Suvarnabhumi Airport and measures to prevent a recurrence. The meeting follows severe disruption caused by staff shortages during Bangkok’s flooding, which affected Thai Airways’ ground handling, left thousands of passenger bags awaiting processing and forced widespread flight delays and cancellations. Flooding had prevented ground-handling employees from reaching Suvarnabhumi, contributing to the baggage backlog. 

Reports citing an unnamed source suggested the board could consider action against chief executive Chai Eamsiri, including possible suspension and the establishment of an investigation into the management of the disruption.

However, Thai Airways chairman Lavaron Sangsnit told Thansettakij that Chai’s dismissal was not on the agenda. Another source similarly said the meeting would focus primarily on resolving service problems, rebuilding confidence and establishing measures to prevent a recurrence.

Board focuses on recovery from Suvarnabhumi disruption

The special board meeting is expected to review the airline’s response to the operational problems that developed after severe flooding prevented many employees from reaching Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The disruption affected baggage handling and flights, while Thai Airways worked to clear thousands of stranded bags. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on September 30 that about 8,000 bags were still awaiting delivery and that the airline was expected to clear the backlog by October 2. 

Chai said the board would be briefed on efforts to resolve the baggage backlog and flight delays.

Thai Airways is also gradually restoring flights towards its normal level of about 115 outbound services a day, or approximately 230 flights when inbound services are included, after cancellations during the disruption.

Reports of possible CEO action disputed by chairman

An unnamed source claimed the board would consider removing Chai as chief executive and suggested another possible outcome could be his suspension while a committee investigates management of the staffing crisis.

The source linked the potential action to the large baggage backlog and the wider impact of the disruption on passengers and Thailand’s image.

Lavaron, however, rejected reports that Chai’s dismissal was on the meeting agenda. His statement means any potential disciplinary action remains unconfirmed and should not be presented as a board decision.

Chai’s current employment contract is due to expire on January 31, 2027.

Eight candidates reported in Thai Airways CEO search

Thai Airways has separately begun the process of selecting its next chief executive after applications closed on September 27.

Eight people reportedly applied, including seven current or former Thai Airways executives and one external candidate. Chai is among those seeking the position for the next term.

The report identified several applicants, including:

• Cherdphan Chotikhun, Chief Technical Officer
• Warangkana Luerojvong, Chief Aviation Business Officer
• Chawan Ratanawaraha, Chief Operations Officer
• Korakot Chatasingha, former Chief Commercial Officer
• Nond Kalinta, former Chief Commercial Officer
• Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer

The application documents are now being reviewed.