Thai Airways International (THAI) has picked Chansin Treenuchagron, a former president of the state-owned oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc, as a new board member to replace Pailin Chuchottaworn who abruptly resigned late last month.
Mr Chansin was appointed last Thursday but it was only made known to the public on Monday when THAI informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
THAI on Monday also informed SET also that its board of directors had proposed that Mr Chansin be tasked with leading the drafting of an additional rehabilitation plan for the organisation, which it has already secured permission by the Central Bankruptcy Court to amend, effective last Thursday.
The court admitted the national airline's request for rehabilitation under the bankruptcy law on May 27.
A source in THAI, meanwhile, revealed that a number of THAI staff members were drumming up support for their bid to petition the Labour Ministry against the company's decision last Thursday to issue a new set of work rules and regulations, which has downgraded their fringe benefits.
According to these THAI workers, the work benefits were changed from the standard level to the minimum.
The total number of annual leave days is now limited to only six days from between six and 24 days previously depending on the number of years of service, said the source.
The overtime work pay rates and the rates of the company's contribution to the Provident Fund were also lowered, said the source.
Citing the 1975 Labour Relations Act and the 2000 State Enterprise Labour Relations Act, the source said THAI is required under these two laws to stick to the old employment conditions.
"These changes to the employment conditions are unfair and have made many employees frustrated. They are therefore gathering the signatures of those who support a move against the changes," said the source.
The petition was expected to be submitted to the ministry by June 15, said the source.
The new set of work rules and regulations also involves a ban on THAI staff from revealing information about the company and its personnel to the public and the media in a manner that may cause damage, said the same source.
Those flouting this ban may face penalties ranging from a verbal warning to dismissal, said the source.
