Who is Chai Eamsiri after Thai Airways suspends him as CEO?

Chai Eamsiri is back in the spotlight after the board of Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) suspended him from his duties as chief executive amid problems with ground services and a backlog of passenger baggage.

The board appointed Sumrid Sumneing, a director and member of the Executive Committee, as acting chief executive.

Chai took office as Thai Airways chief executive on February 1, 2023, after spending decades with the national carrier and holding several senior positions, particularly in finance and accounting during the company’s business rehabilitation.

His tenure as chief executive lasted until October 2, 2026, when the board suspended him from performing his CEO duties.

From finance executive to Thai Airways CEO

Born in 1962, Chai holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in marketing, from Assumption University and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Kasetsart University.

He has also completed several management, finance and leadership programmes, including the Director Accreditation Program (DAP), Class 174/2020, organised by the Thai Institute of Directors Association.

His other training includes the CFO’s Orientation Course at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Leadership Succession Program (LSP) at the Institute of Research and Development for Public Enterprises.

Chai joined Thai Airways in 1985 and built most of his career at the airline, eventually moving into a series of senior management roles.

His experience was particularly concentrated in finance and accounting. He served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Accounting and later as Chief, Financial and Accounting while Thai Airways was undergoing its business rehabilitation process.

He subsequently rose to become chief executive, taking office on February 1, 2023.

Chai Eamsiri’s career at Thai Airways

Chai’s recent career positions include:

• October 2, 2026: Suspended from performing his duties as chief executive of Thai Airways
• February 1, 2023: Took office as chief executive of Thai Airways International Plc
• March 4, 2023 – June 5, 2025: Chairman of Thai Smile Airways Co., Ltd.
• May 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022: Chief, Financial and Accounting, Thai Airways International Plc
• January 4 – April 30, 2021: Executive Vice President, Finance and Accounting, Thai Airways International Plc
• November 19, 2020 – January 3, 2021: Vice President, Office of the President, and Acting Executive Vice President, Finance and Accounting, Thai Airways International Plc
• April 2020 – February 2021: Director of Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc

Chai formally became Thai Airways chief executive on February 1, 2023, after almost four decades with the company, much of that time spent in financial and corporate management.

His appointment came during a critical period for the airline as it continued implementing its rehabilitation plan, restructuring its operations and preparing for the next stage of its business recovery.

Alongside his role at Thai Airways, Chai served as chairman of Thai Smile Airways from March 4, 2023, until June 5, 2025, covering a period in which Thai Smile’s operations were being restructured and transferred into Thai Airways.

Other corporate positions

According to information published by Thai Airways, Chai has also held several positions at related companies.

He became Chairman of Thai MRO Group Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Thai MRO Services Co., Ltd. on October 24, 2025.

He has also served as Chairman of Thai-Amadeus Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. since April 19, 2024.

From joining Thai Airways in 1985 to becoming chief executive in 2023, Chai spent most of his professional career with the national carrier, working across management, finance and accounting and playing a role during its rehabilitation.

That career entered a new phase on October 2, 2026, when the Thai Airways board suspended him from performing his chief executive duties and appointed Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO.