Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has suspended chief executive officer Chai Eamsiri from his duties while it reviews its handling of operational disruption caused by late-September flooding in Bangkok, the airline said in a Stock Exchange of Thailand filing.

The board, which met at a special session on October 2, 2026, said the flooding had affected the airline's business and image. It appointed director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO with immediate effect and replaced Chai with director Vinit Visessuvanapoom as one of two directors authorised to sign on the company's behalf.

Chai told reporters that the board had fired him before the filing was published. "They did not give a reason," he said, adding that the board wanted to identify any gaps or mistakes in the airline's response to the crisis.

Flooding prevented large numbers of ground staff from reaching Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from September 26, disrupting baggage handling, ramp services, flights, and cargo operations. More than 10,000 bags accumulated at the airport between September 26 and 29, transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said.

Chai said around 90% of ground service staff and 80% of ramp and aircraft service staff had since returned to work. Thai Airways nevertheless cut 15 flights on October 1 and nine on October 2 to match available operating capacity, before restoring its full schedule on October 3.

Fellow board member Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, who is also the deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, will chair a further fact-finding committee the board is preparing to appoint, Thai business daily Krungthep Turakij reported. The panel will examine the airline's crisis response and its ground staffing, including personnel hired through manpower provider WingSpan Services.

The committee must report its progress within 30 days of its appointment, assessing operational and legal damage before the board considers penalties or preventive measures.

It is unrelated to the formation of an earlier board committee investigating the procurement of 860,000 bottles of wine under Chai, worth almost THB1 billion baht (USD29.7 million). Chai denied wrongdoing in a social media post, saying that the purchases followed company regulations and could be checked at any time.

Chai's employment contract expires on January 31, 2027, and he remains one of seven applicants in the board's search for a permanent chief executive.