The board of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, or THAI, has resolved to suspend Chai Eamsiri from his duties as Chief Executive Officer pending a fact-finding investigation and review of crisis management procedures following the floods in late September 2026, which caused labour shortages, a large backlog of unclaimed baggage, flight delays, and the temporary suspension of cargo warehouse services. The board appointed Samrit Samniang, a THAI director, to serve as acting CEO in his place, effective from 2 October 2026 onwards. Parinthorn Kijjathornpitak, Director of Securities Analysis at KGI Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, estimates preliminary damage at around 100 to 160 million baht, which will be reflected in fourth-quarter 2026 operating results, but views it as not affecting fundamentals, since it occurred during the high season when advance ticket bookings were growing, particularly on European routes with an 85% passenger load factor. Meanwhile, THAI has raised its oil hedging ratio to 60% over a 24-month period, from 50% over a 12-month period, and maintained its 2026 net profit forecast at 19.5 billion baht, down 36.8% from the previous year, and its 2027 forecast at 23 billion baht, up 17.7% from the previous year. It also maintained its "Buy" recommendation and its 2027 target price of 7 baht.
Thai Airways International Public Company LimitedTHAI board suspended CEO Chai Eamsiri pending a fact-finding investigation into flood crisis management, appointing an acting CEO.
