Thai Airways board fires CEO after flood disruption, local report says

Thai Airways International Pcl relieved Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri of his duties while its board investigates the flag carrier’s handling of severe flood-related disruptions. The company described the action as a suspension in a stock exchange filing late Friday, naming Director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO. A visibly emotional Chai told reporters earlier that he had been dismissed with immediate effect. [caption id="attachment_57299229" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Chai Eamsiri was relieved of his duties as CEO of Thai Airways on Oct. 2. (Courtesy/Valeria Mongelli/Bloomberg)[/caption] The board said it will investigate the airline’s crisis-management process after flooding in Bangkok prevented employees from reaching work, forcing flight cuts and a temporary halt to some cargo intake. Nearly 10,000 bags piled up at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), prompting the government to deploy about 100 Royal Thai Air Force personnel to help clear the backlog. The disruption drew criticism from Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who said the airline’s handling of the crisis had hurt Thailand’s tourism image. He called on the Finance Ministry, Thai Airways’ largest shareholder, to convene an urgent board meeting that ended with Chai’s suspension Friday. Chai said he wasn’t given a reason for the board’s decision but believed it was related to shortcomings in his handling of the flood crisis. Fighting back tears as he spoke to reporters and staff after the meeting, he said the steps he took were within the scope of his responsibilities. The leadership upheaval comes only months before Chai’s four-year term was due to end in January. Thai Airways had already begun searching for his successor, with applications closing Sept. 27.

Thai Airways board fires CEO after flood disruption, local report says

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