National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) deputy chief Prajin Juntong has resigned as Thai Airways International (THAI) board chairman.
His resignation, effective from Wednesday, will see Ariphong Phuchau, permanent secretary for energy, succeed him as acting board chairman, according to a Stock Exchange of Thailand statement.
The air force chief, who currently oversees economic affairs, planned to resign from the THAI board in June as part of the NCPO's policy to reshuffle state enterprise boards.
However, his decision was reportedly halted by NCPO chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who ordered him to help improve the company’s operations.
It is speculated that he will take up the position of transport minister.
The national carrier suffered losses of 12 billion baht last year and the Finance Ministry recently estimated THAI's losses could rise to 20 billion baht this year.