Board action follows mass flight cancellations, baggage backlogs and criticism after three days of record rainfall disrupted operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
CEO Chai Eamsiri was suspended by the board pending a fact-finding probe into Thai Airways' response to severe Bangkok flooding.
Thai Airways has a recent history of restructuring: it entered bankruptcy protection in 2020, returned to the stock market in August after exiting its debt program, and operated 84 aircraft to 61 destinations as of June 30.
# What happened Thai Airways' chief executive, Chai Eamsiri, said the airline's board fired him after the carrier's chaotic response to severe flooding in Bangkok. The board suspended Chai pending a fact-finding investigation and a review of crisis management procedures and appointed Director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO.
Chai told reporters, "They didn't give a reason. They want to see if there are gaps... mistakes in the work carried out." He had publicly apologized earlier for the disruption at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
# Operational disruption at Suvarnabhumi
# Immediate accountability and public criticism Thailand's Tourism Minister, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, singled out Thai Airways for criticism, saying, "If they don't want to do the job, then resign." The board's suspension of the CEO appears driven by the need to investigate operational failures and to reassess crisis-response protocols after public and government pressure.
# Where the airline stands now The board has described the suspension as tied to a fact-finding investigation and a review of crisis management. Sumrid Sumneing is the acting CEO while that work proceeds. The company filed the board decision with the stock exchange.
As of June 30, Thai Airways operated 84 aircraft serving 61 destinations in 27 countries. The carrier underwent bankruptcy-protected restructuring in 2020, which halved its workforce and reduced its fleet. It later exited debt restructuring, and its shares resumed trading on the stock market in August.
# What this means for passengers and partners Passengers faced cancellations and baggage delays during the flood period. Cargo customers experienced suspended services. The near-term focus for travelers and industry partners will be on how quickly Thai Airways restores normal scheduling and baggage handling, and whether the board's investigation identifies operational gaps that require immediate fixes.
# What to watch next
# Bottom line Thai Airways faces an internal review and leadership change after flood-related operational failures at Suvarnabhumi Airport prompted widespread cancellations and baggage chaos. The board has suspended the CEO while it investigates, signaling a short-term shift in leadership and an urgent focus on crisis-management procedures.
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