THAI vows end to unhealthy influence
Bangkok Post: 1 Feb 2010
Aviation
THAI hatches 'immunity' drive
President vows end to unhealthy influenceThai Airways International's new president wants to inject what he calls an "immune system" into the organisation, to stop outsiders taking advantage.
‘‘THAI is seen from the outside as a privileged club for some people, and that must end. PIYASVASTIAMRANAND PRESIDENT, THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
Piyasvasti Amranand says he will need to bring staff on side to fight off what he calls the influence of interfering politicians and greedy executives.
THAI would never live up to its slogan, Smooth as Silk, unless politicians gave management a free hand as they attempt to recover the airline's former prestige.
It was once one of the best airlines in the world, Mr Piyasvasti said.
The national flag carrier has been plagued by political interference, from the purchasing process to appointments of top executives, many of whom lost their jobs upon changes of government, he said.
Mr Piyasvasti himself came to THAI in October with strong backing from the Democrat Party.
The Democrats control the Finance Ministry, which is the major shareholder in the firm, and the Bhumjaithai Party is responsible for the Transport Ministry, which oversees the airline.
The THAI president said he had no problems in dealing with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum.
But the national flag carrier, not him, needs to increase its strength to shield itself from politicians trying to reap benefits and vested interests from the organisation.
"It all depends on how well THAI staff fend off interference by politicians," he said.
That was still possible if the 32,000 staff working for the airline were fairly treated, with no favouritism given to particular individuals, including airline executives and even politicians.
"THAI is seen from the outside as a privileged club for some people, and that must end," Mr Piyasvasti said.
The airline is cutting down on perks and privileges for executives and other influential people, including politicians who will no longer be eligible for automatic upgrades of their tickets at the check-in counter.
Their tickets are supposed to be upgraded at the gate subject to seat availability, but this 1992 rule is rarely enforced. Most get automatic upgrades.
The airline is considering cutting the number of free tickets offered to executives by more than half to show that nobody should get special treatment.
Senior officials and executive members now receive up to 15 free tickets a year, while general staff get just two.
No airline in the world offers privileges as generous as those offered to senior managers at THAI, he said.
About 100 staff were moved to inactive posts by Mr Piyasvasti's predecessors.
They could return to their past positions if the airline finds their transfers were unfair.
Excess baggage allowances and other special treatment offered to executives and VIP passengers, such as the use of VIP lounges, would be limited. The measures will go before the board on Feb 26 and will be enforced next month.
They are intended to build a sense of trust and faith among staff that everyone will be fairly treated.
"That will give them the encouragement they need to protect the organisation from outsiders."
Staff cooperated last year when the airline, under financial pressure, said it would have to cut some salaries and withhold bonuses.
That showed their willingness to help the airline in times of trouble, he said.
Mr Piyasvasti took over as airline president in October when it was trying to recover from financial losses caused by the recession. It posted a profit in the last quarter.
He promised to turn around the airline in two years to make it a serious rival to the two biggest carriers in the region, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways.
"This is the best time for Thai Airways to change its direction. We want our rules and regulations to be clear and enforced fairly for all staff.
"I am sure our future can only improve," Mr Piyasvasti said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/32069/thai-hatches-immunity-drive
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