Thai Airways CEO denies corruption allegations over 860,000-bottle wine purchase

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Suspended Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri has denied allegations that he interfered in the airline’s procurement of wine and that the purchase was linked to corruption.

Chai was suspended from his duties as CEO on 2 October. He said he had expected his removal but was not given a specific reason. He was replaced by board director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO.

Chai addressed the allegations in a post on his personal Facebook page around 11:00 on 4 October, saying he normally does not like to write on social media but felt compelled to respond to claims circulating online.

The allegations concern the reported procurement of 860,000 bottles of wine worth more than 800 million baht. Prachachat reported on 2 October that the wine procurement was among previous allegations being scrutinised in connection with Chai.

Chai said he had been accused of “interfering” in the procurement process, taking over the matter himself, and being linked to corruption through reports by some media outlets.

He rejected the claims, saying the wine procurement had gone through detailed procedures in accordance with regulations and could be investigated at any time.

“If there were grounds for concern, the internal audit department and audit committee have a duty to investigate,” Chai said.

He also pointed to his 41-year career at Thai Airways, saying he had never previously had a blemish involving corruption.

Chai acknowledged that some media had argued that having no previous record of wrongdoing did not mean he could not commit wrongdoing later. He said such questions should be determined through a proper investigation rather than speculation.

“I can listen to criticism about other matters, but I genuinely cannot accept allegations that I am corrupt,” he wrote.

Chai said he was willing to have any agency in Thailand investigate his conduct.

Thai Airways’ own procurement records show that the airline issued a request for proposals for “Red Wine, White Wine and some other Wine: 2026” in October 2025, with bids accepted from 10 October to 21 November 2025.

Chai’s comments did not identify the media outlets he was referring to or provide further details about the allegations.

He ended his post by asking followers to avoid what he described as unnecessary drama and disrespectful comments on his Facebook page.

“If that happens, I will not accept any gift baskets,” he wrote.