Pilot Raises Alarm Over ‘Pay to Fly’ in Thailand

A prominent Thai pilot has called for an investigation into the controversial “Pay to Fly” system, warning that it could place airline passengers at risk. On 10 June, Sanong Mingcharoen publicly urged authorities to examine the practice, claiming that some pilots are required to pay millions of baht to certain airlines in exchange for flying opportunities that allow them to build flight hours and gain experience.

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According to Sanong, the system requires aspiring pilots to pay substantial sums in order to work, rather than receiving wages in the same way as employees in other professions. He said that before booking a future flight, passengers should understand how the system operates, adding that he personally tries to avoid airlines that recruit pilots through Pay to Fly arrangements.

Sanong explained that the system allows airlines to reduce training costs by transferring the financial burden to pilots. He questioned whether this cost-saving measure could have wider implications for aviation safety and passenger confidence.

He outlined several concerns about the practice. First, pilots who take on significant debt to secure flying opportunities may face considerable financial pressure. He cited aviation safety research indicating that financial stress can directly affect concentration and decision-making in the cockpit.

Second, he argued that while airlines benefit from lower training expenses, the financial burden is shifted to individual pilots. Third, he warned that pilots who have invested large sums of money may be reluctant to report operational problems or safety concerns for fear of losing their positions and the money they have already paid. He described a culture of job insecurity as a major threat to aviation safety.

Sanong also questioned whether pilots who effectively purchase flying positions can be assessed in the same way as pilots selected solely through standard recruitment procedures. He said this remains an important question that has yet to be answered.

The pilot further highlighted the legal status of the system. He stated that in several countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, Pay to Fly arrangements are clearly prohibited under labour laws. In Thailand, however, he described the issue as a legal grey area where regulations have not kept pace with industry practices.

As a result, he called on the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to introduce regulations preventing licensed airlines in Thailand from using the Pay to Fly system. He also urged the Ministry of Labour to investigate whether the practice violates labour protection laws or represents a new form of worker exploitation.

Daily News reported that Sanong encouraged consumers to ask airlines directly whether they use Pay to Fly recruitment practices. He concluded that a safe aviation industry should begin with fair employment policies, warning that unanswered questions may persist until an accident occurs.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 11 June 2026

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