October 2, 2026 — Thai Airways (TG) suspended chief executive Chai Eamsiri today over the airline’s flood-driven breakdown at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, and says its full schedule returns on October 3.
What happened
Severe flooding in Bangkok in late September kept many ground-handling staff from reaching Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Baggage handling and ramp services broke down. Thai Airways cancelled and retimed flights for several days, and a backlog of about 8,000 bags built up by September 30, according to The Nation.
The board met in special session on Friday, October 2 and suspended Chai. Director Samrit Samniang, a former finance executive at PTT Exploration and Production, is acting chief executive. Chai’s contract runs to January 31, 2027, and the airline was already searching for its next CEO.
The recovery so far
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| October 1 | 15 flights cancelled |
| October 2 | 9 flights cancelled; 105 of about 115 daily departures planned |
| October 3 | Full schedule due to resume |
| October 3–4 | Extra ticket counter at Thai’s head office, 8am–5pm |
| Permanent CEO decision | TBA |
By October 1, about 90% of ground-service staff and 80% of ramp staff were back at work, the airline said.
What it means for non-revs
- Bangkok loads stay heavy for several more days. A normal timetable from October 3 does not clear the passengers already displaced. Check loads flight by flight before listing on TG.
- Go carry-on only through BKK. Thousands of bags were delayed this week, and a standby passenger’s checked bag is the easiest one to lose track of.
- Partner airlines at BKK are absorbing rebookings. Thai said it was moving passengers to partner airlines, so ZED seats on those flights are tighter as well.
- For Thai staff, the leadership change is the bigger story. No change to staff travel has been announced.
Sources
- The Thaiger — Thai Airways board suspends CEO after Suvarnabhumi flood disruption
- The Nation — Thai Airways board meets over service crisis as CEO Chai Eamsiri faces scrutiny
- The Nation — Thai Airways plans 105 flights on October 2 as staff return
- The Nation — Thai Airways Cancels 37 More Flights Amid Growing Operational Chaos
- Thai Airways — Operational Update
- Thai PBS World — Thai Airways announces additional rescheduled flights for October 1-3
