Thai Airways board removes CEO after airport chaos

The board of Thai Airways International (THAI), led by Thailand’s Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, decided to remove CEO Chai Eamsiri from his position with immediate effect.

The board held a special meeting to review THAI’s passenger services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after labour shortages disrupted ground operations, causing baggage backlogs and severe flight delays.

The airline also announced a seven-day temporary suspension of inbound and outbound cargo operations at its warehouse at Suvarnabhumi Airport, effective from September 30 to October 6, 2026.

The board said it had monitored the situation and taken measures to prevent a similar incident from recurring.

According to a source, the board dismissed Chai Eamsiri with immediate effect and named director Samrit Samniang as acting CEO.

“They didn't give a reason,” Chai told reporters, referring to the board of the carrier, which met on 2nd October. “They want to see if there ​are gaps... mistakes in the work carried out,” Reuters reported.

The airline was forced to cancel dozens of flights last week. Operations at its main hub, Suvarnabhumi Airport, were also disrupted by severe baggage delays, prompting the Air Force to assist in clearing the backlog. The CEO had set a 72-hour target to clear the backlog of luggage from the airport.

Bangkok was declared a disaster-affected zone over the weekend after receiving over 300 mm of rain over three days, roughly the amount it typically receives throughout September.

As of June 30, the airline operated a total of 84 aircraft serving 61 destinations across 27 countries.

Thai Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul singled out Thai Airways for rebuke, telling reporters, "If they don't want to do the job, then resign.”

Chai, who publicly apologised for the disruption at the airline’s Suvarnabhumi operations, joined THAI in 1985 and held several senior positions, including chief financial officer, before becoming CEO in 2023.