Thai Airways board members lose perks

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Airways International board members, long accustomed to free flights and expensive perks, are to lose their privileges as part of an effort to streamline the national carrier, an airline official said this afternoon. Chairman Chai-Anan Samuddavanija, appointed with a new board of directors amid controversy this week, has vowed to cancel the perks offered since Thai Airways was founded 41 years ago, including a lifetime of free first-class travel for directors and their families. “Chai-Anan has said he will announce the change within a week,” a Thai Airways spokesperson said. The side benefits given to directors and chairmen — who have largely sprung from the ranks of Thailand’s air force and government ministries — have reportedly cost the company dearly over the years. Chai-Anan said the perks, which currently benefit an estimated 100 former board members and their families, were “unacceptable”.