Thai Airways International has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Chai Eamsiri, as part of a review into its handling of operational disruptions caused by severe flooding at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in late September 2026. The airline announced that the company's board appointed director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO while further investigations are underway.
The disruptions affected staff attendance, baggage handling, flights, and cargo operations, with over 10,000 bags accumulating at the airport between September 26 and 29. Despite reopening, Thai Airways reduced its flight schedule temporarily but has since restored operations to normal capacity. The board is also forming a fact-finding committee to examine ground staffing and crisis management—an effort that includes assessing personnel hired through external providers.
Leadership Changes and Internal Investigations
The board's decision follows a special meeting held on October 2, 2026, during which it also replaced Chai with director Vinit Visessuvanapoom as board-appointed signatory. Chai stated he was dismissed before the board’s decision was publicly announced, asserting that no reasons were provided for his removal. The incident has prompted the airline to evaluate its crisis response and operational preparedness.
Fellow board member Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, also deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, will lead the new investigation, which aims to report progress within 30 days. The committee's focus includes examining ground staffing levels and the airline’s crisis handling mechanisms amidst ongoing legal and operational assessments.
Chai Eamsiri's employment contract is set to expire in January 2027, and he remains among several applicants vying for the position of permanent CEO. The airline continues to face scrutiny over its operational resilience and response strategies following the flooding incident that impacted service continuity and corporate image.
