June 27, 2008
Bangkok - Thai Airways International board agreed to appoint Norahat Ployyai as the company’s new president.
The appointment will be effective from June 27 onwards.
Chaiswasdi Kittipornpaibul, permanent-secretary for Transport, revealed Apinan Sumanaseni would be responsible for general duties.
The board reasoned that the appointment was to promote the corporate unity and reconciliation.
Chaiswasdi also confirmed this was not politically motivated.
It was reported that Norahat is the ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s close classmate. He used to be the ousted prime minister’s private pilot.
The airline posted a 47.6 percent drop in its net profit in the first quarter due to high fuel costs and a strong local currency.
Earlier this month, the airline cancelled its direct flight to New York and reduced service to Los Angeles, saying it would sell four of its long-haul aircraft.
