Thai Airways CEO Ousted After Floods Cripple Its Bangkok Hub
The board cited repeated flight delays, baggage failures and a THB 800 million wine purchase as it opened two internal probes.
- On Friday, October 2, 2026, the board of Thai Airways International removed Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri from his post, appointing board director Samrit Samniang as acting CEO effective immediately.
- Heavy flooding that swept through Bangkok beginning September 25, 2026, crippled operations at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport as staff shortages severely impacted ground services and baggage handling.
- Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul criticized the airline for prioritizing partner flights over its own, while warning that the crisis was damaging Thailand's image.
- Following his removal, Chai faces two internal investigations into the operational breakdown and a controversial purchase of around 860,000 bottles of in-flight wine valued at over THB 800 million.
- To stabilize the hub, THAI canceled 15 flights on October 1 and nine on October 2, with full operations planned to resume on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
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Thai Airways is in the spotlight after Thailand's Tourism Minister deemed the airline incompetent in dealing with the flood crisis by canceling dozens of flights.
"Chai Eiamsiri" teared up as he opened up after stepping down as CEO, expressing his belief that his successor must possess the necessary qualifications and abilities, and thanking Thai Airways employees.
Thai Airways chief says he was fired by board after Bangkok flood chaos
The chief executive of Thai Airways , Chai Eamsiri, has been fired by the company's board following the flag carrier's chaotic response to the heavy floods that hit Bangkok last week, he told reporters on Friday.
Thai Airways Board Fires CEO After Flood Disruption, Local Report Says
Thai Airways International Pcl terminated Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri effective immediately, days after severe flooding caused widespread disruption to the flag carrier’s Bangkok operations.
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