THAI's top man receives the boot

THE BOARD of Thai Airways International (THAI) has sacked its president, Piyasvasti Amranand, citing a breakdown in communications, and irreconcilable differences over strategy and aircraft purchases.

Reuters quoted the airline’s chairman, Ampon Kittiampon, as saying: "The (THAI) board has agreed to terminate the president's contract because he cannot work in unity with the strategy committee.”

Thailand’s transport minister, Jarupong Ruangsuwan, weighed in with his two cents' worth, explaining that Piyasvasti was dismissed because he failed to see eye-to-eye with the THAI board over acquisition of new aircraft.

Piyasvasti, who joined the national carrier as president in October 2009, said: “The reasons the (THAI) board gave, that I have communication problems and differences of opinion, are ambiguous. (THAI’s) performance during my term improved in every aspect, and I passed the (recent annual) evaluation at 86 per cent.”

Meanwhile, Thailand's prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, and finance minister, Kittiratt Na-Ranong, have sought to refute allegations that the government played a part in Piyasvasti’s dismissal.

Chokchai Panyayong, THAI’s executive vice president, strategy and business development, has been appointed acting president of the national carrier.

Sourced: Phnom penh Post