The Thai Pilots Association has vehemently opposed a recent government decision to temporarily allow foreign pilots to operate domestic flights through wet lease arrangements. This move, announced by the Thai Cabinet on December 3, 2024, aims to address a perceived shortage of commercial pilots amid a surge in tourism activity. The decision permits foreign pilots to fly on domestic routes for six months, a measure the government believes is essential to cope with the increased demand for air travel. However, Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, argues that there is no actual shortage of qualified Thai pilots. He points out that there are currently 3,024 commercial pilots in Thailand, with 1,026 having been laid off during the pandemic and 1,219 pilot school graduates still awaiting employment opportunities.
.gif)
The contention from the association is that this policy contradicts the 20-year national strategy for the labor sector, particularly the focus from 2023 to 2027 on future industries and services. Teerawat has warned that allowing foreign pilots to operate aircraft like the Airbus A320 would detrimentally affect local employment prospects. He fears that this could discourage younger individuals from pursuing careers as pilots due to perceived job instability, potentially leading to a real shortage in the future.
Furthermore, this decision raises concerns about adherence to international safety standards, given that Thailand is not a signatory to Article 83bis of the Chicago Convention, which permits the state of registry to delegate supervisory duties of an aircraft to the state of the operator. The Thai Pilots Association has highlighted that granting this permission might breach aviation laws and affect Thailand's standing with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to another ICAO red flag, similar to the one issued in 2015, which restricted Thai carriers' international operations.
The association formally petitioned the Labour and Transport ministries on December 6, 2024, to reconsider this move. They argue that the government should instead support local pilots by investing in fleet expansion and infrastructure to increase job opportunities. This would also align with promoting Thailand as an aviation hub, which requires a robust local workforce. The Thai Pilots Association's strong opposition underscores the broader implications for the aviation industry in Thailand, where balancing economic needs with labor rights, national interest, and international standards presents a complex challenge. The outcome of this dispute could influence future policy decisions regarding the employment of foreign workers in sensitive sectors like aviation.