Thai Airways International, Thailand’s flag carrier, has suspended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chai Eamsiri after a series of operational failures caused by heavy flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas. On Oct. 2, 2026, the board of Thai Airways International dismissed Chai from his duties, citing operational breakdowns, including widespread flight delays, baggage mismanagement, and a breakdown in ground services.
The Situation
Heavy flooding began on Sept. 25 in Bangkok and nearby provinces, preventing residents from leaving their homes and leaving Thai Airways understaffed for baggage and cargo handling. The airline, which operates from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), announced that 97% of flights faced delays or other interruptions, and 24 flights scheduled for Oct. 1 and 2 were subsequently cancelled. Despite plans to resume full-scale operations by Oct. 3, Thai Airways is still working through a backlog of luggage and cargo exceeding 10,000 pieces.
The disruption prompted Thai Airways to review senior management roles, with company executives believing that the flood-related incidents have damaged the company’s reputation. Chai was relieved of his role as CEO of Thai Airways International during an urgent board meeting on Oct. 2.
A separate independent investigation has been launched into allegations that Chai procured 860,000 bottles of wine worth over 800 million baht (about 18 million pounds) from a single vendor.
Chai is set to remain as a board member. Speaking to local media, he said:
“The board of directors has just informed me today that I am removed from the CEO position, [but] they did not give any reason.”
Leadership Change
Chai Eamsiri joined Thai Airways International in 1985, initially serving as chief financial officer (CFO) before his appointment as CEO in 2023. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline faced serious financial problems and was forced to undergo a bankruptcy-protected restructuring in 2020. Industry observers praised Chai for his role in the financial turnaround. His term as CEO was set to expire in January 2027, and Thai Airways International had been actively searching for his successor.
Samrit Samniang, a board member and former executive of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), has been appointed as acting CEO.
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