Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri has confirmed that the airline’s board removed him from his position on Thursday, saying he had received signals beforehand that the move was coming.
The board of Thai Airways International Plc resolved to remove Chai as chief executive and appoint a fact-finding committee to investigate delayed passenger baggage and flight delays. He was invited to the board meeting to be informed of the decision, but said he was not told why he had been removed or given any further details, including a timeline.
Speaking to Khaosod at 14:00 on 2 October, Chai said the board had told him of its resolution to end his tenure as CEO and launch the inquiry into the baggage and flight-delay problems.
“I’m not upset about having to leave the position of Thai Airways CEO. I had already come to terms with it.” He said.
“I had received signals about it for some time, before the baggage problems occurred.”
Chai said he had worked at Thai Airways for 41 years and that employees understood his record. He added that he would take a break and spend time with his family after facing heavy criticism on social media in recent days, which he said had particularly affected his children.
