Thai Airways CEO Search Narrows to Six Internal Candidates
Thai Airways International has narrowed its CEO search to six internal candidates after interviews on October 18, 2026. Nine applicants initially applied, but two were disqualified and one withdrew, leaving a field composed entirely of current or former airline executives. The selection committee has not yet announced the next steps, though the board chairman previously indicated a new CEO would be named by December.
The names of six candidates competing for the Thai Airways International CEO position have been disclosed after interviews concluded with no external applicants. Media reports indicate that for the Thai Airways International Plc CEO recruitment, a total of nine applicants applied, but two failed to meet qualifications, leaving seven qualified candidates. On October 18, 2026, the selection committee interviewed all seven and had them present their visions, but former Executive Vice President of Commercial Wivat Piyawiroj did not attend the interview or vision presentation, leaving only six candidates — all Thai Airways insiders. They are: 1. Chai Eamsiri, currently suspended as CEO of Thai Airways, who decided to apply before the baggage crisis and flight delays erupted; 2. Chawan Rattanawaraha, Executive Vice President of Operations; 3. Choetphan Chotikun, Executive Vice President of Engineering; 4. Warangkana Luerojwong, Executive Vice President of Aviation Business Unit; 5. Nanont Klinthra, former Executive Vice President of Commercial and Strategy; 6. Karakot Chatasin, former Executive Vice President of Commercial. After the interviews and vision presentations concluded, the selection committee did not announce the next steps in the recruitment process. Previously, Lawaran Saengsnit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Thai Airways Board Chairman, stated that a new Thai Airways executive is expected to be appointed by the end of this year, in December.
