28 Nov, 2016
Chatrachai Bunya-Ananta, President, Thai Airways International
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Date of Birth: 6 November, 1932
Date of Passing: 18 April 2015
Marital Status: Married with two daughters, one grandson and one granddaughter.
Education:
1947 Assumption College, Bangkok
1951 St. Stevens College, Hong Kong
1951-53 Portsmouth Technical College, UK
1954-56 Cardiff University College, University of Wales, UK B.A. Economics & Accountancy
1968 Management Programme Cranfield College of Technology, UK
1979 Advanced Management Program Harvard University, USA
1985 National Defense College Programme Bangkok (one year programme for selected senior professional and military leaders)
Career
1958-60 Commissioned into Royal Thai Police Force
1962 Sales Development Officer, BOAC Thailand, subsequently promoted to Area Sales Manager (Thailand)
1960-71 BOAC – initially station officer trainee in UK followed by assignment in Europe, Africa and North America
1971 Joined Thai Airways International as Deputy Director Marketing
1972 Director of Marketing
1974 Vice President, Marketing
1984 Executive Vice President, Business and Commercial
1992 Appointed the first civilian President of THAI Airways International Ltd. Retired September 30 1993
Served briefly as Chairman of PB Air after his retirement.
Over the course of his career, Mr Chatrachai served as Chairman of Royal Orchid Hotel (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sheraton Royal Orchid Hotel Co. Ltd., Phuket Flight Kitchen Company, Orient Airlines Association and the Board of Airline Representatives in Thailand. He was also at various times Director on the boards of the Dusit Thani Group, Ital-Thai Group, Airports Authority of Thailand, Amari Airport Hotel, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Area Travel Association, ASEAN Travel Association, East Asia Travel Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai Farmers Bank.
Senator, National Assembly of Thailand
Awards
Royal Decorations; Knight Commander (Second Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
Commander (Third Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
Contribution to ASEAN Tourism
His marketing flair helped THAI grow from a small regional carrier into a major international airline, becoming the most important player in the promotion of tourism to Thailand until his retirement. As widebody jets were introduced, Thai Airways expanded its routenet in Europe as well as to new destinations such as Bali, Penang, Tehran, Baghdad and Kathmandu. He also led Thai Airways’ marketing blitz for the success of 1987 Visit Thailand Year. Led the team that designed the distinctive Thai Airways livery and logo, which is still in use today.
A charismatic public speaker, one of his most notable achievements was Thai Airways’ annual Marketing Activity Plan (MAP) meetings where the global travel and aviation media was invited to hear about the future plans, and which were held annually for almost 20 years.
Date of passing
18 April 2015.
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