Thai Airways International's board has suspended and removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri from his post, effective 2 October 2026, following disruption to baggage, flights and ground services at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a company director and executive director, as acting chief executive. The decision was taken at a special board meeting.
The airline's operational problems followed flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas in late September. Some staff were unable to travel to work normally, affecting baggage handling, flight operations and ground services at Suvarnabhumi.
Flights expected to return to schedule
Thai Airways reduced some flights to match its available operational capacity during the disruption. It plans to resume operating all scheduled flights from 3 October 2026.
A major problem was the backlog of several thousand passenger bags at Suvarnabhumi after heavy rain and flooding affected staff travel and ground operations. The airline has been working to return delayed baggage to passengers and restore normal services.
Investigations ordered into two issues
Reports said the leadership change coincided with the creation of investigation committees into two major issues.
One concerns allegations of irregularities in the purchase of more than 860,000 bottles of wine for flights, valued at more than 800 million baht, from a single supplier.
The other concerns the management of ground operations, where work had reportedly been subcontracted through several layers, creating bottlenecks in the service system. The problems led to what was described as a crisis at check-in counters, involving flight delays, baggage handling and ground operations, and affected confidence in the national carrier.
Chai says decision was unfair
Speaking after the board meeting, Chai said the board had resolved to suspend him and remove him as Thai Airways CEO from 2 October.
He said he had felt for several months that he would be removed, and described the decision as unfair despite his efforts since the crisis began. Chai said he would not place blame on Thai Airways staff and would accept responsibility himself.
After the interview, Chai was visibly tearful. Nearly 100 Thai Airways employees came to see him off to his car, with staff saying he was among the executives most loved and respected by employees and expressing sadness at his removal.
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2 October 2026
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