Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - Thai Airways president replaced

I haven't been able to find anything in English yet, but here (http://news.sanook.com/1118923/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9F%E0%B9%89%E0%B 8%B2%E0%B8%9C%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A7%E0%B 8%B1%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8C-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B 8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B9%8C-%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B5%E0%B 8%94%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9A% E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2/) is a link to the Thai info and the (awful) google translate:

THAI board. Chokchai intellectual Pridi was appointed in charge of the best airline seats. Am I out during the Memorial Health.

Journalists reported. At approximately 11:20 pm, the Board of Directors of Thai Airways. The Board has appointed Mr. Chok Chai Thai intellectual Pridi was appointed Acting Director-General. Thai Airways International Ltd. Mr. Burnham Memorial Health Services is to support the rumors that circulated earlier that it will be removed. The Memorial's Department confirms that it is not disrespectful.

Mr. Fernandez's Memorial Health Piyasvasti has been appointed as Director General of the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited () on 18.

Has anyone else heard anything about this? Piyasvasti being replaced?

It had rumour before about the current government want their puppet to be THAI director.

It is ugly politics from ugly politicians.

found the following from Bangkok Post English edition today:

"Acting THAI president appointed!

Thai Airways International (THAI) on Monday appointed Chokchai Panyayong as acting THAI president, replacing Piyasvasti Amranand, reports said.
Mr Chokchai joined Thailand's national flag carrier in 1983. He has experience in business development and special projects, including asset management, at Suvarnabhumi airport."

but nothing for the reasons.....:(

A little more info from The Nation per below. Apparently the board felt he didn't communicate well with them, but I'm sure it's entirely political. Sad news as he has absolutely turned TG around, removed in house corruption and favoratism, and put a very good fleet improvement/loads of new aircraft purchases in place. Hopefully not all for nothing now, but you can bet the new appointee will be someone favored by Yingluck/Thaksin and their party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Piyasvastis-employment-contract-terminated-30182462.html

A little more info from The Nation per below. Apparently the board felt he didn't communicate well with them, but I'm sure it's entirely political. Sad news as he has absolutely turned TG around, removed in house corruption and favoratism, and put a very good fleet improvement/loads of new aircraft purchases in place. Hopefully not all for nothing now, but you can bet the new appointee will be someone favored by Yingluck/Thaksin and their party.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Piyasvastis-employment-contract-terminated-30182462.html

In house corruption and favoritism is the MO for Puea Thai. With so many TRT politicians coming back into the fold after 5 years of purgatory there aren't enough positions to place them all. Curious to see what else is on the TS agenda.

Re The Nation.
Bt5.4 billion is 6 months salary??
Surely some mistake, I trust they mean Bt5.4million.

Shame though.

New President: one of Thaksin's relatives?

What a shame that it had to come to this. I was hoping to get back to flying TG once the airport immigration situation improves. But if they're going to shoot themselves in the foot by replacing the best guy they've had in a long time, maybe I'll stick with OZ and KE for my flights to Thailand. I cannot see any good whatsoever coming from this.

But if they're going to shoot themselves in the foot by replacing the best guy they've had in a long time, I cannot see any good whatsoever coming from this.

The best guy indeed. He achieved a lot since 2009 and there has been much less freeload looking TIP's recently.

More from the Bangkok Post:
Definitely sounds political and Armranand is asking that the BOD must give him a more clear explanation, especially with his performance review achieveing 86%. He does speculate that someone who was previously corrupt in the company who he punished may have went higher up in the government to get him fired. If the reason for his firing isn't made publicly clear, it sounds as if he may take legal action.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294465/thai-sacks-piyasvasti-as-president

More from the Bangkok Post:
Definitely sounds political and Armranand is asking that the BOD must give him a more clear explanation, especially with his performance review achieveing 86%. He does speculate that someone who was previously corrupt in the company who he punished may have went higher up in the government to get him fired. If the reason for his firing isn't made publicly clear, it sounds as if he may take legal action.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294465/thai-sacks-piyasvasti-as-president

What I find very interesting about the article is the fingered replacement: Settha Taveesin, president of Sansiri Plc.

Some of you might know the individual from his 'secret meeting' with Yingluck at the Four Seasons Hotel just a few months back.

This must be the week of bad management in *A. TG sacks Armranand and COdbaUA releases their new incompetent (at least in customer relations) CFO Rainey on the public.

I have been a critic of TG in the past and this sacking Piyasvasti is symptomatic of the problems that saddle TG. The chief among these is the majority ownership of the government in Thai Airways (this includes government politicians/officials ling up for free tickets-costing TG millions in revenue every year).

As Piyasvasti said, he thought the reasons for his sacking were political. They obviously didn't have anything to do with business. Despite many issues, the airline actually MADE money. How often do you have the head of Airline Unions wanting the CEO to stay? In her words, the board of TG has lost all credibility.

It almost seems as though the current government doesn't want Piyasvasti to get credit for TG's Renaissance. The airline has upgraded with new aircraft-the new A330's are the nicest of that model I've ever flown in coach-good legroom, almost as good as CX entertainment system. The assumption of Jet Airways 777-300 leases was also brilliant as it gave TG truly flat beds in business class, first class suites and a very much upgraded coach. And now the A380 is coming, something that I thought would never happen. When Thai puts this plane on the BKK-LHR, they are going to give BA and Qantas a run for their money.

So Piyasvasti, good luck. TG is going to miss you a lot more than you're going to miss them. Even though I have given TG a hard time, I can't imagine what a hard job you had, given the snake pit of a place in which you worked.

Now Yingluck insists she and her party had nothing to do with his firing. Does she actually think that anyone will believe her?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/294554/pm-no-politics-in-thai-business

This is sad. I have been a critic of TG, but the fired President had a coherent plan for the first time in many years. Furthermore he confronted corruption and all the TIPs and staff that used the airline to their personal benefit. Unions had to confronted, even if the short term result might have been demotivation among the older staff (there were not motivated anyway). And the others realized that there was at least a leader with common sense.
There must be quite a few happy corrupt TIPs. Shame on the current government.
Sad, sad, sad. back to the dark ages.

This is sad. I have been a critic of TG, but the fired President had a coherent plan for the first time in many years. Furthermore he confronted corruption and all the TIPs and staff that used the airline to their personal benefit. Unions had to confronted, even if the short term result might have been demotivation among the older staff (there were not motivated anyway). And the others realized that there was at least a leader with common sense.
There must be quite a few happy corrupt TIPs. Shame on the current government.
Sad, sad, sad. back to the dark ages.

Spot on once again brunos .

Very disappointing news.

Will be interesting to see what happens next...

"When Thai puts this plane on the BKK-LHR, they are going to give BA and Qantas a run for their money."
Beaneater - just a brief note:
Piyavasti was frank enough to admit that LHR is no longer of such importance to TG as are other European hubs, such as i.e. FRA and CDG, where the A380s will be deployed first while LHR will stay with the A340-600. Piyavasti has much more a view on new secondary destinations such as BRU, VIE and maybe another (third) destination in Germany but not to MAN (a possible new destinations that had been in the pipeline for many years....)

Last news from Bangkok Post. The PM claims politics are not involved.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294613/aircraft-deal-cost-thai-head-his-job

Last news from Bangkok Post. The PM claims politics are not involved.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294613/aircraft-deal-cost-thai-head-his-job

Of course, it is the Board that appoints/fires the President. But TG is owned by the State. The government appoints the directors. The directors represent the shareholders. Such a decision would never have been taken without consulting the government. What is irritating is that some government officials take us for idiots. I know, I know, this is Thailand...

Of course, it is the Board that appoints/fires the President. But TG is owned by the State. The government appoints the directors. The directors represent the shareholders. Such a decision would never have been taken without consulting the government. What is irritating is that some government officials take us for idiots. I know, I know, this is Thailand...

Yesterday his departure was based upon communication. Today it's due to aircraft purchasing. People will believe this and most won't care anyway. The faithful believe PT (and TS) can do no wrong.

Excerpt form BKK-Post article:

"THAI has about 25,000 employees, a mixture of good and bad people. There is no discipline. The wrongdoers can stay for a long time, unpunished, and that poses a problem," he said. "The punished are seeking support from the chairman, directors, the Office of the Auditor-General and so on. This complicates the management, particularly with external interference, like that from the board.
"During my term, there was a wall between the board and the management. The board is now fishing for that power, and the vicious cycle will return. [While awaiting the board's orders], THAI people will stop to think," he said."

it says it all....no more comment :o

Latest BKK Post Article:

Union wants answers on THAI axing

Ampon gets deadline to clear air or stand down

Published: 24/05/2012 at 01:45 AM

Thai Airways International's labour union is pressuring airline chairman Ampon Kitti-ampon to clarify the removal of president Piyasvasti Amranand or face an ouster bid.

Jaemsri Sukchoterat, the union chairwoman, said Mr Ampon needs to come up with an explanation that is better than Mr Piyasvasti having "communications problems".

She said THAI's operations under Mr Piyasvasti's leadership were satisfactory and the president passed his performance evaluation, so the reason given for his removal was not justified.

She said Mr Ampon has until tomorrow to clear the air over the issue, otherwise he will be considered unfit for the position.

On Tuesday, the Transport Ministry claimed Mr Piyasvasti had communications problems with the board over its authority to acquire aircraft. Mr Piyasvasti believed acquisitions could proceed without cabinet approval while the board saw otherwise.

Ms Jaemsri stressed the union was not resisting or objecting to the removal of Mr Piyasvasti and it has no objection to whoever will succeed him.

"The board has the authority to remove [the president], but its decision must be justified. Every policy of THAI comes from the board's decision-making. All financial decisions are made by the board. When a question arises, the board must answer," she said.

"If Mr Ampon wants to stay on as board chairman, he needs to clear all the doubts."

Ms Jaemsri yesterday lodged a petition with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a bid to step up the pressure on Mr Ampon, who is secretary-general of the cabinet.

"The government has appointed him as the board chairman, so it has to take responsibility for his actions," she said.

Ms Jaemsri also dismissed as untrue criticism that the move is personal. She and Mr Piyasvasti were primary school classmates. "That we went to the same school has nothing to do with this. I am acting as the union president," she said.

Mr Piyasvasti said yesterday he could not make sense of the board's decision. He insisted he did not object to the board's new fleet acquisition programme.

He declined to say if the removal was politically motivated, saying Mr Ampon would know best.

Ms Yingluck said the government would leave it to the THAI board to clarify the matter. "The government is not in a position to clarify the issue because the THAI board made the decision. The decision was unanimous and we must respect it," she said.

She said the government would assign Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan to communicate with the union to ensure fairness and impartiality.

"There might be some misunderstanding, so I ask all sides to talk and I believe all Thai people have good intentions towards their organisation and the country," Ms Yingluck said.

She also urged the union to hold talks before making any move to pressure the government.

Meanwhile, THAI has appointed national police chief Priewpan Damapong and finance permanent secretary Areepong Areepong Bhoocha-oom as vice-chairmen of the board.

The new appointments, effective from Monday, were reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday.

The exchange was also told that THAI has appointed Chokchai Panyayong, executive vice-president for strategies and business development, as acting president, also effective on Monday.

The national flag carrier reported the appointment of three members to its audit committee _ chairman Chulasingh Vasantasingh and committee members Weerawong Chittmittrapap and Chutinant Bhirom Bhakdi.

According to the report, the employment contract between the company and Mr Piyasvasti ends on June 21.

BKK Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/294771/union-wants-answers-on-thai-axing)

Excerpt form BKK-Post article:

"THAI has about 25,000 employees, a mixture of good and bad people. There is no discipline. The wrongdoers can stay for a long time, unpunished, and that poses a problem," he said. "The punished are seeking support from the chairman, directors, the Office of the Auditor-General and so on. This complicates the management, particularly with external interference, like that from the board.
"

it says it all....no more comment :o

I think that this is not news. What was new was having a President with the courage to attempt to change that situation for the good of TG.

I think that this is not news. What was new was having a President with the courage to attempt to change that situation for the good of TG.

...and what is new about this quote is that a Thai Airways CEO has said it......

I'm currently catching the end of a broadcast of an interview with Piyasvatdi broadcast on CNBC's Managing Asia program. It was recorded on May 17.

While I can get this (http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838822?par=vty) far I can't find a link to the interview online.

He strikes me as being well spoken and refrains from playing political games.

Today's article in "the Nation":
"Problems loom in wake of sacking at THAI":
quote:
"Thai Airways International Chairman Ampon Kittiampon owes explanation to the general public over the board's decision on Monday and leaving the press conference to acting president Chokchai Panyayong will only worsen the sentiment.
THAI calls for a press conference today, to reveal the hidden reason behind the premature termination of President Piyasvasti Amranand’s employment contract. Ampon was expected to chair the event, but it was announced later that Chokchai would handle it. A source said that it could involve differing opinions of the board and the management over THAI's pending acquisition of 38 aircrafts.
It is unfortunate that Ampon, as chairman of the board, avoids meeting the press. Yet, wherever he goes, if Chokchai could not clearly satisfy the media, Ampon would be kept asking these three main questions.
Without the clear answer, he and other 13 directors would remain criticised as political appointees who do not serve state enterprises they supervise. More importantly, without clear answers, they are setting a poor new management standard for state enterprises as a whole.
The press conference will be held after the board unanimously agreed to dismiss Piyasvasti, who would complete his term in less than a year. The premature dismissal resulted in a compensation of Bt5.94 million that THAI must pay to Piyasvasti.
Rumour has it for some time that he would be dismissed after Pheu Thai Party formed the government, but the possibility was in doubt as Piyasvasti took office in October 2009 during the Democrats-led government under a special term to ensure no political meddling. He is entitled to a compensation package worth 6 months of salary in light of premature dismissal, and he is subjected to similar compensation if leaving before the term ends. More importantly, Piyasvasti, the second outsider chief, has won respects from employees and investors over his strategies that financially revived THAI and sustain the airline's growth amid fierce competition and higher fuel prices.
Given Piyasvasti's 31-month track record, "Lack of unity in communications with the board" sounded a lame reason to back the board's decision on Monday. Thus, here is the first question for Ampon: What's the exact meaning of the reason? Or is this just a reason to back a politically-motivated action?
If it is not to back a politically-motivated action, this will lead to the second question: What’s the weight of "communications with the board" in the key performance index (KPI) for Piyasvasti? Given Ampon's reason on the day, it seems state enterprises' bosses now have to take it as a priority to forge efficient communications with the board of directors - mostly constituting of political appointees, rather than the performance.
It is true that state enterprises are set up to implement the government's policies. State-owned banks are designed to accommodate the government's grand economic policies. PTT's mission is to ensure energy security. Set up in 1959, THAI's objective is to safeguard domestic sky and compete against foreign players in the international skies.
Through the long history, THAI has welcomed 15 presidents. As witnessed, some presidents who answered only to the board not the overall benefits of the airline had led the carrier to the abyss. At one point, without the government's loan guarantee, THAI could not seek financing for its own aircrafts.
Given the long history of such inefficiency, is Ampon serious in putting "communications with the board" before the airline's performance? Without clear KPI on how to evaluate the communications efficiency, it seems he is setting a precedent cause for the THAI board in the future as well as the boards of other state enterprises on how to sack capable chiefs.
Lack of explanation led to the third question involving the appropriateness of the board's decision to sack Piyasvasti and pay him the compensation.
As it seems Piyasvasti displeased only the board of directors, not other stakeholders who range from employees, stock investors and the general public through the 2 years and 7 months in office, why THAI - which also belongs to other stakeholders - have to shoulder the extra cost?
The amount is tiny, compared to the Bt6 billion earning target this year. But if a tiny pay can be made without a good reason, who can guarantee that it would not lead to something bigger? In time, this will ruin THAI's image. History showed that as THAI leaders were irresponsible for stakeholders' interests, it was not only them that were punished. When THAI showed losses, other stakeholders including taxpayers suffered.
As Piyasvasti is leaving, the first sign of old bad things at THAI emerged. Agreeing to benefits cuts to assist Piyasvasti's goal in turning around the airline, the labour union is now pressuring for the return of all benefits. It is not difficult to imagine that without a frugal boss like Piyasvasti, soon we have heard about lavish meals served during the board's meetings. More are to come when corporate governance is breached."
unquote

It has been reported that were issues related to the purchase/lease of new equipment. The board wanted a change in plans and the President did not agree. It is not unusual for a board to remove a top executive, because after all the Chairman and the President are accountable to the board.

The Board of Directors of TG are hardly in the pocket of the government. A quick read of the biographies of several of the directors that voted for the termination should convince any cynic of that.

I happen to have been a fan of the ousted president, but there were allegations of conflict of interest relating to his wife who is a key member of a Thai political party with responsibilities related to fundraising and finance. (If anyone knows something about political fundraising in Thailand, then you should understand the implications.) I do not believe he did anything illegal and I believe that he is a decent man. Unfortunately, at the very least he was in an embarrassing position.
As well, it is claimed by some that he ran afoul of some important people in the Thai business hiso class and the TG employee unions. I don't think the BOD was particularly fond of him. One need only read the comments of PAD leader Sondhi, a vociferous opponent of the current Thai government, and see that even Sondhi was critical of the former President.

One need only read the comments of PAD leader Sondhi, a vociferous opponent of the current Thai government, and see that even Sondhi was critical of the former President.

Sondhi was part of TS's first party building in 1999. Subsequently they had a falling out and Sondhi was, thereafter, a powerful figure in the PAD hierarchy. Sondhi does everything for Sondhi so I'd be skeptical of his comments (which I'll admit to not yet seeing) being anything other than self-serving.

Sondhi was part of TS's first party building in 1999. Subsequently they had a falling out and Sondhi was, thereafter, a powerful figure in the PAD hierarchy. Sondhi does everything for Sondhi so I'd be skeptical of his comments (which I'll admit to not yet seeing) being anything other than self-serving.

Sondhi is a failed businessman , a hypocrite , an idiot who believes in black magic and religious nonsense, so his judgment on the TG President matters only to him , but not to anyone with an ounce of brains.

I am certainly not holding up Sondhi as a paragon of virtue, particularly since it was his group that over ran the airport and shut down operations for some time. Rather, my point was that Sondhi, a man that takes any opportunity to criticize the government, took the opportunity to instead attack the terminated executive. Unusual behaviour for a man that makes the time share and tailor shop touts seem classy.
There is certainly more to this story than is published and it seems that groups usually at odds with each other united to toss the president under the bus.
I expect that we will now begin to see a return of TG execs taking advantage of the airline and connected hisos using TG as their personal taxi service, relegating paying PAX to an afterthought. One thing that the former president did was that he tried to put a stop to the misuse of company assets and for that TG will miss him.

"When Thai puts this plane on the BKK-LHR, they are going to give BA and Qantas a run for their money."
Beaneater - just a brief note:
Piyavasti was frank enough to admit that LHR is no longer of such importance to TG as are other European hubs, such as i.e. FRA and CDG, where the A380s will be deployed first while LHR will stay with the A340-600. Piyavasti has much more a view on new secondary destinations such as BRU, VIE and maybe another (third) destination in Germany but not to MAN (a possible new destinations that had been in the pipeline for many years....)

I don't dispute what you said, but I don't fly those routes. I would imagine that they will deploy it on the BKK-LHR route when they take delivery of all of their A380s. This would be great considering the age of the aircraft flown by Qantas and especially BA.

Also note that Thai is terrified of being able to actually fill the A380 and wanted to pull out of the deal-which would never have happened due to the state ownership of the airline, requiring a head of state call to another head of state to kill the deal. Hopefully they will benefit from the premium still being paid to fly on the super jumbo.

I think that there is a lot of personal speculations in these posts on A380.
Despite the technical glitches (and 787 is not exempt from those either), the A380 is an efficient aircraft in many situations, in particular many situations faced by TG to Europe.

I don't dispute what you said, but I don't fly those routes. I would imagine that they will deploy it on the BKK-LHR route when they take delivery of all of their A380s. This would be great considering the age of the aircraft flown by Qantas and especially BA.

Also note that Thai is terrified of being able to actually fill the A380 and wanted to pull out of the deal-which would never have happened due to the state ownership of the airline, requiring a head of state call to another head of state to kill the deal. Hopefully they will benefit from the premium still being paid to fly on the super jumbo.

well Qantas only fly A380 to London now.

[1.QUOTE=dazz81;18745321]well Qantas only fly A380 to London now.
[2.QUOTE= by Brunos]
I think that there is a lot of personal speculations in these posts on A380.
(Despite the technical glitches (and 787 is not exempt from those either), the A380 is an efficient aircraft in many situations, in particular many situations faced by TG to Europe.)

Gentlemen, are we still discussing the topic of TG's CEO ?
(Myself I have and would like to apologize that I contributed to this "deviation"...)
Is therr any news about the personnel shuffle?
In this months Sawasdee its still Mr. Amranand who is addressing TG's customers even though he was replaced already last month...

Gentlemen, are we still discussing the topic of TG's CEO ?
(Myself I have and would like to apologize that I contributed to this "deviation"...)
Is therr any news about the personnel shuffle?
In this months Sawasdee its still Mr. Amranand who is addressing TG's customers even though he was replaced already last month...

The board's move is supposed to be effective as of June 21.

The board's move is supposed to be effective as of June 21.

ah..I oversaw: one month period of notice

Bringing this thread back to the fore:

Thai announces new president (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/312363/sorajak-as-new-thai-president).

Comment #2 is a gem.

From The Bangkok Post (14 Sep 2012) (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/312363/sorajak-as-new-thai-president):
The holder of a PhD in international law from the London School of Economics, Mr Sorajak once worked as a translator and reporter for the BBC's Thai-language service. On returning to Thailand he worked at the Foreign Ministry before starting to teach law, eventually becoming dean of law at Assumption University.

In 1999 he was named director-general of the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand, the operator of TV Channel 9, when it was still a 100% government-owned enterprise.
Interesting. Translator, reporter, worked in Foreign Ministry, teacher, dean, television... I'm struggling to find the aviation/transportation experience in there.

Amranand Piyasvast did an incredible amount of good for TG. The changes he initiated were real and meaningful, plus he took a stand against inappropriate behaviours. I am hopeful his replacement is as focussed on airline improvement.

The holder of a PhD in international law from the London School of Economics, Mr Sorajak once worked as a translator and reporter for the BBC's Thai-language service. On returning to Thailand he worked at the Foreign Ministry before starting to teach law, eventually becoming dean of law at Assumption University.

In 1999 he was named director-general of the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand, the operator of TV Channel 9, when it was still a 100% government-owned enterprise.

Interesting. Translator, reporter, worked in Foreign Ministry, teacher, dean, television... I'm struggling to find the aviation/transportation experience in there.

Amranand did an incredible amount of good for TG. The changes he initiated were real and meaningful, plus he took a stand against inappropriate behaviours. I am hopeful his replacement is as focussed on airline improvement.

Agree. It's really sad to see Piyasvast go. He was the best thing TG had going for them. I was quite impressed with him from what I read in the press and in meeting him in person. I was holding out with a slight amount of hope that they would end up replacing him with someone qualified. In seeing this news, after burning my GUP and miles I have, I think that's it for TG for me, other than perhaps for domestic travel in Thailand, or on the rare occasion when I have no other options. Normally though, with plenty of *A carriers serving Thailand, I have a choice on who I use for travel in/out of Thailand. I've been a quite loyal TG customer for many years, but this is the last straw. Perhaps some years down the road if they get their act together and stop being so political I'll give them another chance.

Agree. It's really sad to see Piyasvast go. He was the best thing TG had going for them. I was quite impressed with him from what I read in the press and in meeting him in person. I was holding out with a slight amount of hope that they would end up replacing him with someone qualified. In seeing this news, after burning my GUP and miles I have, I think that's it for TG for me, other than perhaps for domestic travel in Thailand, or on the rare occasion when I have no other options. Normally though, with plenty of *A carriers serving Thailand, I have a choice on who I use for travel in/out of Thailand. I've been a quite loyal TG customer for many years, but this is the last straw. Perhaps some years down the road if they get their act together and stop being so political I'll give them another chance.

From London Thai are very good value.
LHR - BKK - HKT later this month is £751 with miles and date change at £100 but fixed dates and no miles is £606.
SQ is £1,139, EVA £849 to BKK only with free date change, BA is £708 to BKK only with £100 date change.

From The Bangkok Post (14 Sep 2012) (http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/312363/sorajak-as-new-thai-president):
The holder of a PhD in international law from the London School of Economics, Mr Sorajak once worked as a translator and reporter for the BBC's Thai-language service. On returning to Thailand he worked at the Foreign Ministry before starting to teach law, eventually becoming dean of law at Assumption University.

In 1999 he was named director-general of the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand, the operator of TV Channel 9, when it was still a 100% government-owned enterprise.
Interesting. Translator, reporter, worked in Foreign Ministry, teacher, dean, television... I'm struggling to find the aviation/transportation experience in there.

Amranand Piyasvast did an incredible amount of good for TG. The changes he initiated were real and meaningful, plus he took a stand against inappropriate behaviours. I am hopeful his replacement is as focussed on airline improvement.

Very, very sad to see Amranand Piyasvast go.

While international law has little relation with the aviation industry, getting a PhD at LSE is quite an achievement and seems to demonstrate superior intellectual abilities. Let's hope that Sorajak will bring common sense at TG.

getting a PhD at LSE is quite an achievement and seems to demonstrate superior intellectual abilities. Let's hope that Sorajak will bring common sense at TG.

Maybe, but it is often more a reflection of the ability to fund a further 2-4 years study without having to get a job. Academia and common sense are not necessarily correlated and in my experience the reverse is just as likely.

I'd rather he had an MBA than a PhD and a cv demonstrating an ability to expand a private sector business. A CEO is merely a manager of a small group of people, a good CEO surrounds himself with the best people he can find and jettisons the rest.

Only time will tell if Mr Sorajak is a good CEO, I hope he is and has the freedom from interference to be so.

Maybe, but it is often more a reflection of the ability to fund a further 2-4 years study without having to get a job. Academia and common sense are not necessarily correlated and in my experience the reverse is just as likely.

I'd rather he had an MBA than a PhD and a cv demonstrating an ability to expand a private sector business. A CEO is merely a manager of a small group of people, a good CEO surrounds himself with the best people he can find and jettisons the rest.

Only time will tell if Mr Sorajak is a good CEO, I hope he is and has the freedom from interference to be so.


If you know anything about the current state of things in this country, you will know that there is a huge power play going on now, between the crooks from before, and the future crooks.

I totally agree with all those bemoaning the departure Amranand Piyasvast. In a relatively short period of time he had turned TG from what was basically a laughing stock to an airline that seemed slowly but surely to be getting it's act together. The improvment in F service during his time was particularly noticeable.

Shame they have gone and shot themselves in the foot, again.

If you know anything about the current state of things in this country, you will know that there is a huge power play going on now, between the crooks from before, and the future crooks.

Indeed, and it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

If you know anything about the current state of things in this country, you will know that there is a huge power play going on now, between the crooks from before, and the future crooks.

But we shouldn't dwell on the internal problems of Peua Thai here. ;)

If you know anything about the current state of things in this country, you will know that there is a huge power play going on now, between the crooks from before, and the future crooks.

Agreed, and it is no doubt the reason for the new president but 'twas ever thus and I am not sure what the relevance of this is to my post.

Academia and common sense are not necessarily correlated and in my experience the reverse is just as likely.


:) ^
I am afraid that my humour was not explicit enough, but my post was correlated to yours.
I also believe that pansted00 post was providing an explanation why the type of CEO that you describe was not selected.

Indeed, and it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

I do hope that this, seemingly a universal belief in this forum, is incorrect. Like the rest of you I have little optimism.

I realized soon enough upon my arrival in Bangkok that Thailand is not a serious country and THAI, perhaps in consequence, is not a serious airline. Once this is taken as given, and expectations adjusted its quite an OK airline to fly.

Incidentally why are duty free staff at Suvarnabhumi so grumpy and rude?

My favourite Piyasvasti Amranand quote:
There are a small number of less able people, who are not all that responsible, and may be corrupt, who have ruined our reputation. - Director magazine (Mar-Apr 2010)

This candid and succinct expression of the TG issue explains why he was so right for the role, and why others felt he needed to be replaced.

I realized soon enough upon my arrival in Bangkok that Thailand is not a serious country and THAI, perhaps in consequence, is not a serious airline. Once this is taken as given, and expectations adjusted its quite an OK airline to fly.

Incidentally why are duty free staff at Suvarnabhumi so grumpy and rude?

I guess that if you live in Thailand, it is easier to adapt to some of TG's faults. But as a business pax who considers TG as an alternative to other airlines offering decent deals on HKG to Europe, those faults make it an unlikely choice. TG was excellent a decade+ ago. It was improving recently. But in the future?

If you know anything about the current state of things in this country, you will know that there is a huge power play going on now, between the crooks from before, and the future crooks.

I got below press article forwarded by a friend but I dont know the original source:

"Thai Airways International finally announced the name of its new President, media veteran Sorajak Kasemsuvan. He will take his position in October. However, the new President will be confronted to the same old woes: slow decision process and changing strategies due to the permanent interference of Thai politics into the airline’s management…
BANGKOK- Pomp and circumstances! For an outsider, the function of President at Thai Airways International seems to be all about glamour and prestige. But from an insider, the position is one of the most difficult to hold. A State carrier, Thai Airways is plagued by several weaknesses: decisions are slow despite sweeping changes in the air transport industry, the airline is overstaffed- due to Thai status of an employment agency for influent families- and there is little strategic visibility as Thai Airways changes its president at the same speed than take-off and landing at a busy airport– this is already the fifth president filling the seat over the last 12 years.
To be blamed is not some of the management but more the airline’s structure. Thai Airways’ biggest puzzle remains the State. The airline still stands in majority (51%) in the hands of the Ministry of finances, in fact the real manager of the airline. Thai Airways President has no power to take the right decisions in terms of fleet, expansion, strategic partners to invest or cost reductions without being forced to get the endorsement from the Board of Directors –generally put in place by Thai politics. The Board of Directors is far of being competent BUT they retain the power… This situation was experienced by the former TG President Piyasvasti Amranand – a rather competent personality- who finally was fired by the Board of Directors , probably as he was judged to independent.
So far the airline survived crisis better than its counterparts in Malaysia or in the Philippines as the State provides continuous support to the carrier and insidiously limit competition. For example, all Thai public companies and Thai administration are requested to fly Thai Airways on business assignment – some insiders indicate that fares from the competition have to be 35% lower than TG to allow those public companies to switch to another airline.
But will it be enough as air transport changed dramatically in Asia and Thailand over the last decade? Thai is losing market shares in its own market –especially on regional routes- as it failed until recently to recognize the effect of the low cost airline’s revolution in this part of the world. The airline is probably one of the last in the world not to use the principle of yield management when selling tickets on line. Fares are all the same all across the network whatever the date of travel… Another way to lose more potential passengers, especially as everyone shops now online to find the best available fares!
Future THAI President Sorajak Kasemsuvan was the former chairman of the majority state-owned broadcaster MCOT. He holds a Ph.D. in international law, worked for the BBC's Thai-language service and has been a vice-minister in Thailand’s Foreign Ministry. He seemed an experienced personality but that might not be sufficient for Thai Airways. The designated President will have to prove all his management’s skills to navigate between the requirements of the Board of Directors, Labour unions and passengers’ demand. He is due to start in his new role by October. Good luck Mister President!"

two more articles (BKK Post) concerning TG's new chairman:

New boss views branding as solution
Media veteran Sorajak Kasemsuvan set out in his new job as president of Thai Airways International (THAI) yesterday by highlighting how a touch of Thainess can enhance the struggling flag carrier's declining market position.

New Thai Airways International president Sorajak Kasemsuvan poses against the backdrop of THAI’s A380 superjumbo, which just joined its fleet recently. Though he was light on details, Dr Sorajak believes blending Thai cuisine, Otop silk fabrics and courteous service into THAI’s offerings will differentiate the airline and halt its spluttering performance. THITI WANNAMONTHA
Dr Sorajak, 57, said branding is an important element if THAI is to increase revenue, weathering a difficult operating environment and competing with cash-rich Middle East carriers.
Blending various aspects of Thailand such as cuisine, Otop silk fabrics and courteous service into THAI's offerings would differentiate the airline from others, he said.
At his first press conference yesterday, Dr Sorajak, who resigned as chairman of state-controlled media concern MCOT Plc late last week to become THAI's 16th chief executive, did not say specifically what he would try to achieve during his four-year tenure.
He did not comment on THAI chairman Ampon Kittiampon's statement last Friday that Dr Sorajak was expected to ensure annual 6% revenue growth, which tallied 195 billion baht last year, nor did he discuss this year's profitability.
THAI suffered a loss of 10.2 billion baht last year.
The flag carrier reported a net profit of 3.64 billion baht in the first quarter of this year before slipping into the red again in the second quarter with a 7.87-billion-baht loss.
Dr Sorajak said he would come up with a business plan for THAI by year-end.
He is scheduled to meet the THAI board for the first time in his capacity as airline president on Friday, when he is expected to discuss what he plans to achieve.
In a one-hour meeting with senior THAI executives yesterday morning at the airline's headquarters, THAI executives said Dr Sorajak seemed to hit the nail on the head by focusing on the need to tackle the bottom line _ improving THAI's offerings in the eyes of customers and driving up revenue.
Meanwhile, an analyst who asked to remain anonymous listed at least five issues yesterday that Dr Sorajak must address to ensure THAI's survival and growth.
Among them was good management of volatile fuel prices, which accounts for one-third of the airline's operating costs, by means of hedging and other mechanisms.
Cost control, the timely cancellation of loss-making routes, getting rid of idle jetliners such as the four expensive long-range A340-500s and raising its marketing effort fill out the list.
The analyst conservatively estimated THAI will report a net profit of 3.8 billion baht this year, driven by gains in the peak fourth-quarter travel period.
"We can only hope THAI is better off with this president than the previous one, but only time will tell," said a senior THAI executive, referring to Piyasvasti Amranand, who was sacked in June.

New airline boss vows no political meddling
Sorajak Kasemsuvan, the new president of state-owned Thai Airways International (THAI), says he is free from political influence.
Taking office yesterday, Mr Sorajak said his work would not suffer from political interference.
"I do not receive orders from any politician. That said, it is normal for a state enterprise owned by the Finance Ministry to be supervised by politicians when it comes to policies, but such political involvement is at a normal level.
"However, to free THAI completely from political influence, it would have to cease to be a state enterprise, and that is impossible," Mr Sorajak said.
Mr Sorajak said representatives of many government agencies were directors of the airline, which also meant the national flag carrier was at risk of political influence.
Mr Sorajak said Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan assigned him the mission of promoting unity at THAI. He said he would accomplish this by listening to all employees and treating them fairly.
As chairman of the board of the state-run media agency Mcot Plc, Mr Sorajak said he had used the same method there, where it helped relieve conflict in the organisation. He said conflicts would be normal at the national airline, as it had over 25,000 employees.
Mr Sorajak also said he decided to apply for the position of THAI president because he was an outsider who initially had a negative attitude regarding the airline, especially from his first-hand experience of using its services.
Improving services is one of his urgent missions as the airline's president, he said. The other is to increase its revenue.
Mr Sorajak said he would use quality Thai food including Thai fragrant jasmine rice to help improve THAI services.

We have always had Thai Cuisine, Thai rice and Thai silk uniform? What is new????

How about just ensuring that we get consistently good soft product and no risk of getting TG'ed and seriously start getting rid of the ancient planes.

Mr Sorajak said he would use quality Thai food including Thai fragrant jasmine rice to help improve THAI services.

That's it? That's the strategy? Thai fragrant jasmine rice? I can't believe that's (part of) the headline message from the new CEO!

Here's what he should be focussing on: Increased yield (through improved hard and soft products), better utilisation (through effective marketing, pricing and scheduling), optimised costs (through efficient management and elimination of waste).

That's it? That's the strategy? Thai fragrant jasmine rice? I can't believe that's (part of) the headline message from the new CEO!

Here's what he should be focussing on: Increased yield (through improved hard and soft products), better utilisation (through effective marketing, pricing and scheduling), optimised costs (through efficient management and elimination of waste).

The gov has tons of rice sitting stored and nobody willing to pay the exorbitant price necessitated by the rice pledging scheme. So now they're apparently going to mandate TG buys it... at least that's what I'm gleaning from this.

That's it? That's the strategy? Thai fragrant jasmine rice? I can't believe that's (part of) the headline message from the new CEO!

The gov has tons of rice sitting stored and nobody willing to pay the exorbitant price necessitated by the rice pledging scheme. So now they're apparently going to mandate TG buys it... at least that's what I'm gleaning from this.

"Is this any way to run an airline? You bet it is!!"

"Is this any way to run an airline? You bet it is!!"

^ Typical Thailand, when the corupt Thai Government gets their way.

Rice is, as we all know, that most important thing one looks after in when choosing an airline...

Well....everything is OK now because the new President has revealed his masterful strategic plan to turn the airline around.......Thai food, Otop Silks, and Thai culture and service.....Oh My God!!!

They have placed a complete plonker in charge of an airline that was actually getting somewhere under the previous President!!

Yes Thai once again shoots themselves in the foot :rolleyes: Has Piyasvasti Amranand managed to find a new job?

They could give "Thai special massage" onboard... :rolleyes:

The introduction of Krug in F would be nice, too! Am over Dom :o

Cheers,

AG. :-:

Like most others on this forum, I follow the rise and fall of TG with interest. Just when we think that THAI is finally getting on the right track, the board dismissed the outspoken and energetic president. Despite the inconsistencies of service and hardware, there are occasional episodes of superlative experience that leave us scratching our heads wondering how this is possible.

In my humble opinion, the history of THAI reads like a drama. The actor's fate is one of a tragic hero- sturggling to fulfill his enormous promise only getting setback by circumstances. With each turn and twist of the plot, the storyline keeps us spellbound.

I wish THAI the best. Overall for me the experience of flying THAI has improved over the past two years. I hope it will continue to do so, albeit at THAI's own timeframe and on its own terms.

Preparing for take-off - New THAI president excited by times ahead (BKK Post)
The new president of Thai Airways International (THAI) is confident the airline's fortunes will turn around soon when the flag carrier introduces its best-ever "products" next year.
Sorajak Kasemsuvan told the Bangkok Post that although the airline would have a heavier debt burden this coming year, at the same time it would have "the best products in its history".
He was referring to the delivery of 17 new airplanes and the installation of new seats on all existing planes in the national airline's fleet next year.
Mr Sorajak will also speed up plans to lease nine Airbus A320 aircraft for THAI Smile Airways. He sees these as opportunities to raise THAI's revenues.
Mr Sorajak also intends to apply new technology to increase income. He said next year would be THAI Digital Year and ideas are in the works to digitise THAI's overall operations.
"Working people must maximise the use of technologies. The airline must apply IT [information technology] to manage its sales and organisation. If IT is applied, there will be the image of advancement and attractiveness.
"So I have set 2013 as the THAI Digital Year and will conduct workshops with all sections and departments so they can help iron out what can be digitised," Mr Sorajak said.
He said he believes THAI should increase online ticket sales to raise revenue and reduce the number of empty seats on flights.
He admitted ticket sales through agents remained necessary, especially for overseas markets. He also noted that ticket prices had to be as flexible as possible to increase competitiveness.
Mr Sorajak promised that improvements in the way tickets are sold would take shape in the next few weeks.
Apart from having great products, the THAI president plans to present "the best restaurant in the sky" on THAI flights.
This will be achieved with quality and well-known Thai dishes. He wants THAI to serve complete Thai menus on flights.
"I will introduce a 'Customer Food Board' and invite famous figures in the food business such as Chef McDang, Pol Tantasatien, Chakrit Yamnam and Mrs Rapeepan Luangaramrat or Khun Reed to endorse in-flight meals, and together with the Commerce Ministry, I will introduce 'Thai Select' to certify Thai dishes aboard THAI flights to increase the standard of in-flight meals," Mr Sorajak said.
After revamping in-flight meals, he plans to promote THAI's Puff & Pie outlets to raise more revenue.
Mr Sorajak said THAI shops at airports and on flights would sell THAI premium products and bakery items under the One-Tambon-One-Product scheme.
Customers could choose products from mail order catalogues. These plans will be ironed out next year.
The THAI president said he also wanted to boost staff morale.
He said he is aware divisions exist and he is determined to use fair means to encourage staff to improve the organisation and its services. The airline would pay more generous bonuses if it successful with its revenue-boosting plans. Mr Sorajak has another two years and four months in charge before he reaches the retirement age of 60 years old.

This guy has a problem. The use of language like "the image of advancement" is terrible. No one cares about image, just if the systems work and are consistent. Saying that, an upgrade to Thais IT systems is well beyond needed.

A quick tip for them to sell more online tickets, include your cheapest sale fares in the main search engine. Most people wont actually click on the banner to book through the specific separate engine. They just take in the advertising and then do a search in the main engine which doesn't show any of the fares!

Any statements of the new President that I have read in the press are unimpressive and sometimes laughable. His insistence on THAI's Puff & Pie outlets is pitiful.
The past President had set priorities and indicated ways to achieve them. This one is just blablaing at random.

oh good they are going to get IT next year.

Any statements of the new President that I have read in the press are unimpressive and sometimes laughable. His insistence on THAI's Puff & Pie outlets is pitiful.
The past President had set priorities and indicated ways to achieve them. This one is just blablaing at random.

Agree. To me this new president seems to be the biggest clown ever to step into management at TG. How sad that even if the board is going to bring politics into it, at least they ought to get someone qualified, and not someone like this who seems on track to make TG the laughing stock of the airline industry with all these ridiculous statements.

What do you want to bet he'll try to take credit for all the new plane purchases, when anyone who knows anything about the airline industry will realize that the plane purchases were made by his predecessor, or even the previous predecessor. Of course some of the good management decisions made by the previous president will still be generating positive effects, so the board with their one-track political mind will probably proclaim what a wonderful job the new president is doing, at least until some time into the future when his incompetence starts making itself evident via losing market share.

Any statements of the new President that I have read in the press are unimpressive and sometimes laughable. His insistence on THAI's Puff & Pie outlets is pitiful.


Further, to promote it under OTOP, is absurd. I wasn't sure if this was the TG pres or Chalerm talking. It was the same nonsense.