Thai Airways International has removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri with immediate effect after a week of severe operational disruption at its Bangkok hub, where flooding triggered baggage backlogs, flight delays and cancellations. Samrit Samniang has been appointed acting chief executive as the carrier moves to restore stability at Suvarnabhumi Airport and clear the backlog.
The board decision followed an emergency meeting in Bangkok chaired by Lavaron Sangsnit. Chai will remain a director while a fact-finding review examines the disruption and the airline’s crisis response. He said he was not given a clear reason for his removal.
The turmoil began after heavy flooding hit Bangkok in late September, affecting staff travel, ground handling and baggage processing. Thai Airways was forced to cut flights temporarily to ease pressure on operations, while reports from the period described thousands of bags waiting to be returned to passengers. The carrier has framed the leadership change as part of efforts to review crisis management and prevent a repeat of the breakdown.