File photo

 

The Supreme Administrative Court has dismissed a request by the Thai Pilots Association to suspend permission for foreign pilots to operate domestic flights in Thailand. The decision supports the existing wet-lease arrangements, which bring in foreign pilots temporarily. Despite the court's decision, the association continues to seek the revocation of the Ministry of Labour’s announcement that permits such agreements.

 

The Ministry of Labour's special permission enables private entities to lease aircraft with crew for up to six months, following a policy initiative to expand flight operations. This permits 38 pilots and co-pilots to work in Thailand. The Thai Pilots Association argues that this policy negatively impacts Thai pilots; however, the court ruled that halting the current permissions would disrupt flight operations for both passengers and cargo transport.

 

Experts indicate that although airlines have not recently requested additional wet-lease arrangements, the ruling could impact future decisions made by labour ministers. Delays in aircraft deliveries, especially from Boeing, leave the number of unemployed pilots unchanged, despite the peak travel season. Thai Airways plans to recruit student pilots for its new Airbus A321NEO fleet but continues to favour experienced pilots for rapidly shifting needs.

 

Thai Airways aims to enhance its fleet by acquiring 10 Airbus A330-200s, supporting its operational model. The airline seeks the board's approval for these acquisitions. The president of the Thai Pilots Association, Mr. Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, who is also a pilot for Thai Airways, supports the initiative to strengthen the airline’s capabilities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The court supports foreign pilot operations on domestic Thai flights.
• The Thai Pilots Association continues to challenge the foreign pilot policy.
• Aircraft delivery delays contribute to unchanged unemployment for pilots.

Related Stories:

Court Considers Dispute Over Hiring Foreign Pilots

Foreign Pilots Temporarily Allowed to Fly Domestic Routes?

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-04

 

 

Sensible, well done that Court

Still one pilot on the aircraft must be Thai, my old neighbor is an Aussie pilot

Question to Google:  "Does Thailand have a sufficient number of commercial pilots?"

 

Answer:  "No, Thailand currently faces a significant pilot shortage as airlines expand their fleets, despite having a large number of licensed pilots."

 

There's more to it than just this simple black/white question/answer, but bottom line, right now Thailand needs foreign pilots.

2 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Question to Google:  "Does Thailand have a sufficient number of commercial pilots?"

 

Answer:  "No, Thailand currently faces a significant pilot shortage as airlines expand their fleets, despite having a large number of licensed pilots."

 

There's more to it than just this simple black/white question/answer, but bottom line, right now Thailand needs foreign pilots.

 

Thailand needs more Thai pilots. Foreigners might be able to fill the gap in the meantime, but ultimately, Thailand needs to train more local pilots, who will eventually takeover from the foreign ones in the future. 

It is standard practice all over the world for wet leases to include foreign pilots. As the court said, preventing this in Thailand would disrupt airlines' abilities to use wet leases to procure additional aircraft to cover peak periods, etc.

Inferiority complex documented in true Thai fashion. Not the nationality, race, gender or hair colour should be relevant but the most qualified candidate should be considered. 

The incomprehensible announcement during in flight is irrelevant anyway and can be done by one of these countless flight attendant robotic staff; the captain's announcement are definitely secondary to the passengers. A pilot's job is flying and if you cannot find sufficient Thai personnel then you have to hire according to needs and not according to passports. 

In closing, flying and certifying is an international business - with English as lingua franca .......

On 11/4/2025 at 7:58 AM, webfact said:

The Supreme Administrative Court has dismissed a request by the Thai Pilots Association to suspend permission for foreign pilots to operate domestic flights in Thailand. The decision supports the existing wet-lease arrangements, which bring in foreign pilots temporarily. Despite the court's decision, the association continues to seek the revocation of the Ministry of Labour’s announcement that permits such agreements.

Thailand still in the dark ages...

All airlines should be able to recruit the best pilots possible no matter their nationality, who wants an inferior pilot taking to the skies with 300 passengers when he perhaps only got the job because he is thai and no one else is allowed.... barber is a protected thai job  but what's the worst that can happen... a bad haircut which will grow out in a few weeks, poor pilot could crash killing all passengers and destroying anything it hits on the ground 

 

Not saying thai pilots are inferior but you can't get the best pilots with such a limited recruitment pool

41 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand still in the dark ages...

Unlike the West nowadays and its “Didn’t  Earn It” madness . If I board a flight with a western airline and I see a black pilot or even a woman, the first thing that goes through my head is ….they may of got their job because of their gender or colour of skin. Whereas before , this would never have crossed my mind.

The Thai Pilots Association argues that this policy negatively impacts Thai pilots.

 

Maybe its the driving on land that impacts negative vibes in the air, that's on most passengers' minds.

On 11/4/2025 at 7:58 AM, webfact said:

Thai Pilots Association to suspend permission for foreign pilots to operate domestic flights in Thailand.

Foreign commercial pilots flying into Thailand do not typically require a visa for the flight itself as they are exempt when flying on official business.

Maybe try another attack vector against foreign commercial pilots by trying to make them get Thai visas for entry? TPA seems that petty.

This is about a race to the bottom, not hiring the best pilots.  How many pilots are Thai schools turning out each year?  Are adequate hours and training available?  Has the use of 'wet leases' increased in proportion to the number of flights? 

 

Many parts to this puzzle need to be answered in order to gain a proper perspective. 

1 hour ago, Thumbs said:

All airlines should be able to recruit the best pilots possible no matter their nationality, who wants an inferior pilot taking to the skies with 300 passengers when he perhaps only got the job because he is thai and no one else is allowed.... barber is a protected thai job  but what's the worst that can happen... a bad haircut which will grow out in a few weeks, poor pilot could crash killing all passengers and destroying anything it hits on the ground 

 

Not saying thai pilots are inferior but you can't get the best pilots with such a limited recruitment pool

Thai verson of D.E.I.

19 minutes ago, Luuk Chaai said:

Thai verson of D.E.I.

 

Disparity, Exclusion, Inequity 🙃

Read the Bangkok Post version.

 

38 special work permits were issued to pilots and co-pilots for not more than 6 months.

 

Thai Pilots Association objects and want Any Special work permits, foreign pilots to be able to work Domestic routes.

 

Thai Pilots Association allegedly provides little supporting details, specifics, or actual impact this temporary "Special Work Permit" Max 6 month operation has that "Negatively impacts Thai Pilots" at least in these articles.

 

Supreme Court made the correct decision based on facts, requirements and current laws in Thailand.  

 

Sometimes the burden of proof has to be substantial to persuade the Courts to rule in your favor.

 

The Pilots Association may be bias, want protectionism, lack understanding or fail to comprehend that the temporary changes may actually be beneficial in keeping operations running smoothly until a better solution is available.

I flew on Thai lion recently and captain was British. Had a brief chat and he said he had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the job but was welcomed by the Thai pilots.

7 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand still in the dark ages...

Always will be. Governments change but the stupidity will always continue keeping the country so. 🙈

I am a United States commercial instrument rated pilot. Thailand keeps trying to ban foreigners from holding any type of position

With that mindset Thailand will never grow.  Because with diversity comes knowledge experience and the sharing of such.
And being certified by the United States FAA, I can guarantee that any American pilot is more than qualified to fly in Thailand.  and I’m sure can teach local pilots a thing or two.

I understand where a country wants to protect it citizens and guarantee them work.  But when it comes to certain positions.
 The most qualified person for the job is the best rule of thumb, especially when it comes to other people’s lives being in the mix.