THAI Airways demotes its president

BANGKOK (The Nation): Thai Airways International’s board of directors has abruptly demoted president Apinan Sumanaseni today, citing his poor performance which has led to huge losses for the national carrier. The demotion takes effect immediately and Apinan has been ordered to focus on non-management matters. Norahat Phloiyai has been appointed as co-president, and will oversee all management issues.

Meanwhile, Chamsri Sukchotrat, chief of the company’s labour union, expressed concern that politicians are resuming their intervention into the airline’s affairs, similar to what happened six years ago under the first Thaksin government. This would lead to management problems, she said.

There have been rumors for some time that Apinan would be dismissed, and the dismissal came after Transport Minister Santi Prompat’s suggestion last week of a potential change in the method under which the airline purchases aircraft.