Acting head appointed to succeed Chai Eamsiri as flag-carrier reviews its crisis-management procedures.
Thai Airways International has suspended its chief executive, Chai Eamsiri, and appointed an interim successor in the aftermath of severe flooding which disrupted the carrier’s services from Bangkok in late September.
The airline says the situation has “affected the aviation business and the company’s reputation”.
At a board meeting on 2 October, the board decided to carry out a “fact-finding investigation” and “review [its] crisis-management processes”.
The board has resolved that Eamsiri will “suspend the performance of his duties” while the investigation and review are being carried out.
Eamsiri will be succeeded by director Sumrid Sumneing, who will serve as acting chief with immediate effect.
The flooding caused extensive disruption at Thai’s hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, with delays to services and personnel unable to travel.
Thai Airways was facing mounting problems with scheduling and baggage handling.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand says the carrier had to adjust its flight schedules to “align with the number of aircraft and personnel available”.
It adds that, over the period from 26-28 September, some 10,000 items of luggage were stranded.
Ministry of defence staff were recruited to help deal with the luggage backlog, with Thailand Post assisting with reconciliation.
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand director Manat Chuwanaprayoon, speaking on 30 September, said there was an “urgent priority” to restore services including flight management, cargo transport and baggage handling.
“Once the situation has eased, CAAT will allow Thai Airways to provide a statement and jointly analyse lessons learned from this incident to determine long-term measures and enhance preparedness to prevent similar impacts from recurring,” Chuwanaprayoon added.
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