File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Thailand’s Administrative Court is reviewing a legal challenge against a Cabinet decision allowing foreign pilots on domestic routes. The Thai Pilots Association has filed a petition seeking a temporary injunction to halt the move, citing concerns over local job losses. This dispute arises following Thai VietJetAir’s agreement with Avion Express to operate flights in Thailand during the 2024/25 winter season.

 

The Labour Ministry defended the decision, referencing a shortage of domestic pilots, but local pilot groups disagree. They argue that many qualified Thai pilots remain without work. The Administrative Court has requested further details and evidence from the Labour Ministry, with representatives from Thai VietJetAir and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) attending a recent hearing to discuss the issue.

 

Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, president of the Thai Pilots Association, voiced worries about the potential for the temporary measure to become permanent if the court does not intervene. He warned that this could encourage airlines to routinely employ foreign pilots during peak seasons, compromising local pilots’ job prospects. Following the lawsuit filed in March, CAAT has paused new approvals for foreign pilots on domestic routes until the court delivers its verdict.

 

Local pilots fear this could lead to pilots being removed from the list of protected occupations in Thailand, which currently ensures that only Thai nationals can fill specific roles. A ruling against the petition could have lasting consequences for the aviation industry and future employment opportunities for Thai pilots.

 

The court’s decision is anticipated to set an important precedent, affecting how airlines staff their crews in the upcoming High Seasons.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s Administrative Court is assessing a bid to block foreign pilot hires on local routes.
• The dispute centres around a perceived shortage of pilots, which local groups challenge.
• A decision is awaited to clarify future pilot hiring practices in Thailand.

Related Stories:

 

Thai Pilots Plan Legal Action Against Labour Ministry Over Foreign Pilot Permits

Foreign Pilot Approval Raises Concerns for Thai Aviation

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-13

 

 

The whole labour law must be reviewed. We live in the 21 st century, and I am convinced that by opening the labourmarket, it will benefit the people and the economy.

Just a simple example.. try to find a Thai gardener. It is a protected occupation, but nobody is willing to do it. And I know several Thai and foreigners who want/need a gardener..

 

What?....let damned foreigners into to the country to do their jobs....no way....

 

This needs to be stopped now!!

 

What next?.....qualified doctors, surgeons, computer programmers, A1 experts......thin edge of the wedge.

 

Thailand for Thais.