Thai Airways is heating up as Thao Un, Juthavachara Vivacharawongse, officially announced his candidacy for the CEO position, causing a stir in the industry. The current CEO, Chai Eamsiri, will complete his four-year term on January 31, 2027. Thao Un has over 25 years of international aviation experience, including aircraft technical and maintenance expertise. He currently serves as Director of Strategic Alliances at CAMP Systems, a leading global software provider. The search for a new CEO is open for applications from September 7-27, 2026, with requirements including age not exceeding 65, a master's degree or higher, and prior experience as a senior executive in an organization with annual revenue of at least 4 billion baht or total assets of at least 20 billion baht. Candidates who are Thai Airways employees must have held a position at level 13 or above. Leading internal candidates with full qualifications under scrutiny include: Cherdchom Therdsathirasak, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer; Kittipong Saransomboon, Chief Commercial Officer; Thawirot Songkhamphon, Chief Corporate Strategy Officer; Warangkana Lueworawong, Chief of Aviation Business Unit; Chawal Rattanawaraha, Chief Operations Officer; Cherdphan Chotikun, Chief Engineering Officer; and Chanitrika Chotikasathien, Chief Human Resources Officer. The new CEO's key mission is to continue the 'selective growth, not rushed growth' strategy, focusing on profitable routes and developing into a Network Airline to connect Bangkok as an ASEAN hub, attracting connecting passengers with China and India as core markets. This includes adding 29 new aircraft, bringing the total fleet to approximately 101 by end of 2026, expanding summer routes to over 62, increasing frequencies on popular routes, and collaborating with partners within and outside Star Alliance to expand destinations without operating flights. After Thai Airways fully transitioned to a private company, the new CEO must manage a flexible corporate culture, uphold transparent governance, and erase the past image of intervention problems.
Thai Airways International Public Company LimitedCEO succession race at Thai Airways with internal and external candidates; no clear directional impact on the company.
