Junta Member Takes The Helm At Thai Airways

[Jai Dee]

Junta member takes the helm at Thai Airways

The second-most powerful man on Thailand's ruling junta has taken over the top spot at flag carrier Thai Airways, the airline said, in the latest move by the generals into the boardroom.

Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, was approved by Thai Airways' board of directors on November 14 as the new chairman, the airline said in a statement Wednesday.

The appointment came after former chairman Wanchai Sarathulthat and four other board members resigned last week.

They did not give any reason for their resignations, but they were among a raft of departures from the boards of state enterprises after the bloodless coup on September 19.

In addition to Chalit, Air Chief Marshal Narongsak Sangapong was also appointed as one of the airline's 14 board members, which includes Thai Airways' president Apinan Sumanaseni, the statement said.

The appointments require shareholder approval at a meeting scheduled for December 27.

The military junta has come under criticism for giving generals seats on the boards of key state enterprises, including Airports of Thailand, which operates Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has played down the criticism, saying the appointments followed normal practice.

Source: AFP - 15 November 2006