Thai state carrier picked to undergo reform

[BANGKOK] Thailand's new military rulers have singled out the country's troubled flagship airline as the first state enterprise to undergo reform, an exercise that will test their unproven business acumen and ability to separate politics from business.

Thai Airways has racked up four quarters of losses due to declining ticket sales, high operating costs and ruthless competition. Boardroom fights have also led to slow decision-making and a lack of coherent strategy, sources in the company say.

The junta led by Prayuth Chan-ocha has told the chief of the Royal Thai Air Force to fix the airline. Prajin Juntong, who als…