Suspended Thai Airways CEO rejects 860,000-bottle wine graft claims

Thai Airways’ suspended chief executive Chai Eamsiri denied corruption allegations over the airline’s wine purchases in a Facebook post on October 4, 2026, saying the procurement process followed regulations and could be checked at any time. The allegations concern a reported purchase of 860,000 bottles for onboard service, worth almost 1 billion baht. 

Writing on his personal Facebook account, Chai said coverage by some journalists had fuelled social media accusations that he had taken control of wine purchasing from the procurement department and was involved in corruption. Chai said he normally avoided posting on social media but wanted to respond on this occasion.

Chai defends procurement procedures and 41-year record

Chai maintained that wine procurement had followed detailed procedures in accordance with regulations and remained open to examination. If the allegations were true, he said, Thai Airways’ internal audit department and audit committee would have a duty to act.

“Throughout 41 years of work, my record has never been tainted by corruption,” Chai wrote.

Chai said some journalists had argued that an unblemished past did not rule out wrongdoing later. His response was that the matter should be determined through a fair and straightforward investigation, rather than what he described as media speculation.

Chai welcomes scrutiny by any Thai agency

Chai said he was willing to undergo scrutiny by any agency in Thailand and described himself as the least wealthy of Thai Airways’ chief executives.

“I can listen to criticism on other matters, but I really cannot accept accusations that I am corrupt,” Chai wrote.

Chai also asked readers to avoid drama and disrespectful or impolite language on his Facebook page. “If that happens, I will not accept any gift baskets,” he wrote.

Wine procurement allegations linked to Chai’s suspension

It was earlier reported that the wine procurement allegations were among the matters Thai Airways’ board wanted to investigate and one of the reasons for Chai’s indefinite suspension from chief executive duties. 

Reports had it that the Finance Ministry found that the disputed purchase involved a single order of 860,000 bottles for onboard service at more than 1,000 baht each, with a total value of almost 1 billion baht. Chai denies wrongdoing and maintains that the procurement complied with regulations.

Thai Airways suspended Chai from chief executive duties on October 2, 2026, pending a fact-finding investigation and a review of the airline’s crisis management procedures. The decision followed flight cancellations, cargo disruptions and baggage delays during flooding in Bangkok.