[International] Bangkok Floods Cause Flight Chaos, Luggage Delays; Thai Airways CEO Suspended
RtiTalk 小編18d ago
Thai Airways has recently faced controversy due to a large backlog of luggage at the airport. On the 2nd, the Thai Airways board of directors decided to suspend CEO Chai Eamsiri from his duties, effective immediately, pending an investigation into crisis management and operational errors during the flood period. He will retain his position as a company director.
The Standard reported today (3rd) that the Thai Airways board stated that the Bangkok floods at the end of September caused significant flight delays, chaotic luggage handling, and malfunctioning ground services. As operational issues continued to escalate, the decision was made to ask CEO Chai Eamsiri to suspend his duties to review the company's crisis management processes and related responsibilities.
Thai Airways previously stated that due to floods preventing some employees from reporting to work and a shortage of ground staff, over ten thousand pieces of luggage and cargo were awaiting processing at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Additionally, Thai Airways canceled a total of 24 flights on October 1st and 2nd. The board stated that it will subsequently re-examine the management structure and the hiring system for ground and warehouse personnel.
The Bangkok Post reported that Chai Eamsiri stated in an interview on the 2nd that he had reported the flood situation, its impact on company operations, and relevant recommendations to the board before leaving the meeting for the directors to continue discussions.
He said the board informed him of the suspension decision but did not clearly explain the specific reasons. He currently retains his position as a company director.
Regarding whether the suspension was fair, he commented that from the perspective of direct responsibility for crisis management, it was "unfair," but from the perspective of board governance, to maintain transparency and avoid interfering with the investigation, "it is fair."
According to reports, Chai Eamsiri rose through the ranks at Thai Airways to become Chief Financial Officer before being appointed CEO in 2023.
Thai Airways entered a restructuring process under bankruptcy protection in 2020, cutting its workforce by half and reducing its fleet size, after which its financial situation gradually improved. As of June 30th this year, the airline operated 84 aircraft, with routes covering 61 destinations in 27 countries.
Chai Eamsiri received praise from the industry and investors for successfully leading Thai Airways back to financial health. After completing its debt restructuring plan, the company's shares resumed trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in August 2025.
Thai Airways' stock closed at 5.70 baht on the 2nd (approximately NT$5.41), an increase of 0.05 baht from the previous day, with a total transaction volume of 706 million baht.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=235534
How does this article make you feel?
0 people reacted