Thai Transport Minister is disappointed with Japan over flight restrictions

[webfact]

Transport Minister is disappointed with Japan over flight restrictions



BANGKOK: -- Regular Thai flights to Japan continue as normal but additional flights and change of aircraft with increased capacity to accommodate more passengers are put on hold, said Transport Minister Prajin Juntong on Friday.

The minister, however, stopped short of defining whether additional flights mean chartered flights.

He disclosed that Japan had informed the Thai Civil Aviation Department of the suspension of the additional flights and change of the aircraft with increased capacity to accommodate more passengers.

The airlines to be affected by this restruction to become effective as of April 1 include Air Asia X, Nok Scoot, Thai Airways International and Asia Atlantic, said the minister, adding that Japan also asked for an update on the improvement of air safety standards from the Civil Aviation Department.

Minister Prajin admitted that he was disappointed with Japan’s hasty action, pointing out that it should have given the Thai side at least 90 days to fix the safety problem as internationally required.

The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO).

Instead, he said ICAO should assess the performance of the airlines.

Meanwhile, Mr AnekSrichivachart, president of Thai-Japan Tourism Association, confirmed that Thai chartered flight would be banned from landing in Japan as of April 1.

The ban will certainly affect many tour operators but this measure will benefit quality tour operators in the long run, he said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/transport-minister-is-disappointed-with-japan-over-flight-restrictions


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-27

[Costas2008]

"The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO)."

They don't like hearing the truth......Do they?

Well instead of complaining, do improve your safety standards and then you can moan.

Seems Japan is right for their action.

You don't wait for 3-4 months to rectify your faults that can have disastrous effects on people.

You do it NOW.

[trogers]

And the supervision of these four local airlines should be by ICAO or CAD of Thailand?

ICAO is saying the supervisor has failed in his duty.

The Minister should ask why and get things corrected, not just express disappointment.

ICAO is sounding the alarm. Wake up!

[h90]

"The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO)."

They don't like hearing the truth......Do they?

Well instead of complaining, do improve your safety standards and then you can moan.

Seems Japan is right for their action.

You don't wait for 3-4 months to rectify your faults that can have disastrous effects on people.

You do it NOW.

My guess is that it is already known for a long time and they waited already way longer than 3-4 month.

[Bluespunk]

"The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO).

Instead, he said ICAO should assess the performance of the airlines."

No, no, I think they've got it right in assessing safety standards.

Yeah, as a passenger, safety is up there as a priority for me.

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO)."

They don't like hearing the truth......Do they?

Well instead of complaining, do improve your safety standards and then you can moan.

Seems Japan is right for their action.

You don't wait for 3-4 months to rectify your faults that can have disastrous effects on people.

You do it NOW.

Exactly , moaning like children and it's no ones fault but their own. All they care about is shuttling people in and taking their Money

[casindonet]

I doubt anyone is surprise with the respond by the thai side. As usual blame others instead of improving the safety standards.

[bangkokfrog]

"(Japan) should have given the Thai side at least 90 days to fix the safety problem."

So he is admitting there is a safety problem but saying they should continue to put people's lives at risk for another 90 days... because "Maybe we can fix it, na?"

[trainman34014]

Dear Minister....You fail to realise, as all Thai's do, that the rest of the World is 'disappointed' in the feeble efforts of Thailand to move into gear with the outside World....a World that you and your people's arrogantly refuse to recognise the existence of.

Living in denial will no longer serve your purposes, as increasingly 'Thainess' is returning to bite your arse !.

[ChrisY1]

The Transport Minister should be sacked.......along with his operation managers of the Civil Aviation authority.

This outcome is similar to Indonesia in 2007 when they failed the ICAO....they were banned from Europe........and it was catastrophic for the local airline industry....for Thailand, such a ban would likely see the demise of Thai Airways!

[lungbing]

But they have increased safety. They have added another Buddha amulet to each plane's cockpit.

[Just1Voice]

Thailand drifts along thinking they are the Superior race at everything, then are shock, surprised, upset and dismayed when countries slap them down place sanctions against them for incompetence, ineptitude, and outright stupidity. They simply can not understand why the rest of the world doesn't recognize their Thai superiority.

[geriatrickid]

The Transport Minister should be sacked.......along with his operation managers of the Civil Aviation authority.

This outcome is similar to Indonesia in 2007 when they failed the ICAO....they were banned from Europe........and it was catastrophic for the local airline industry....for Thailand, such a ban would likely see the demise of Thai Airways!

The current transport minister like the ones who preceded him have been in a difficult place. The Thai military has a major role in the aviation services. Once can't simply tell the air marshals who sit on the TG board what to do, or how to run their airports and airspace. I am not blaming the military alone as there are lots of people who should also be taking responsibility, and therein lies the problem: There are too many overlapping responsibilities, departments, authorities, offices and special interest groups.

[geriatrickid]

Thailand drifts along thinking they are the Superior race at everything, then are shock, surprised, upset and dismayed when countries slap them down place sanctions against them for incompetence, ineptitude, and outright stupidity. They simply can not understand why the rest of the world doesn't recognize their Thai superiority.

It will be interesting if we are treated to anti Japanese articles in the Thai media.

The USA was savaged for a lot less than a direct action like this.

[Ricardo]

The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Department’s performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO).

Instead, he said ICAO should assess the performance of the airlines.

The Minister appears to be accepting the ICAO's opinion, that the Thai CAD is unfit for purpose, and wishing that the ICAO could do its job for it, instead.

Massive loss-of-face being accepted, or just a lack-of-understanding, of what the ICAO does ?

The country needs to start heeding warnings and taking corrective actions, rather than blithely assuming that the usual diplomatic BS can carry on fooling the rest of the world forever !

[NongKhaiKid]

this would be a nice case for the intended morals watchdog to cut its teeth on.

Q. You know your safety standards are below acceptable levels, do you :

a. Set an improvement regime in motion,

b. Do nothing until outsiders point the deficiencies out,

c. Do nothing until outsiders point the deficiencies out and then complain they should mind their own and wait as we will ' get around to it '.

There's probably two answers, the correct one and the Thai one.

[useronthenet]

A country always in denial, never accepting that standards here are incredibly low. Time to change your arrogant ways, or pay the price.

[ExPratt]

This today , apologies if already posted

Thai airlines could face ban on new flights after audit raises safety concerns

International Civil Aviation Organisation raises worries and now new international flights could be halted and more inspections are planned

Thailand is facing bans on new international flights and increased inspections after the International Civil Aviation Organisation flagged significant concerns about the country's aviation safety.

The ICAO's designation of Thailand as a "significant safety concern" has not been announced publicly by the UN agency but governments were informed last week. Kwak Young-pil, an official from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said the ICAO made the designation on March 20.

Japan has blocked new flights from Thailand following the ICAO decision and South Korea is considering similar measures, officials said. Existing flights aren't affected.

Among the airlines forced to cancel flights are budget carriers Thai AirAsia X, NokScoot and Asia Atlantic Airline, Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation said. Flag carrier Thai Airways is also affected.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters he has instructed the country's foreign minister to discuss the ban with Japan, and has ordered an urgent overhaul of the civil aviation department.

The disruptions come ahead of Thailand's traditional new year, known as Songkran, a heavy travel season when airlines typically increase the number of flights. Thailand is one of the world's top tourist destinations and its tourism industry is crucial to the economy, employing millions of people.

Thai Airways President Jarumporn Chotikasathein said it would have to cancel "about five" charter flights that were being planned for the April holiday schedule. He said Thai Airways and other Thai carriers will also have to undergo increased inspections by regulators from other countries as a result of the ICAO designation.

Thailand was audited by the ICAO in January, about a decade after its last assessment in 2005. Audits assess a country's overall ability to ensure aviation safety. Among the areas considered are personnel licensing and training, airworthiness assessment and certification, accident investigation and airline operations oversight, according to a report by Watson Farley and Williams, an international law firm with a commercial transport practice.

The Thai ministry's statement did not give details of the ICAO's concerns or recommendations. It said that it planned to inform countries about the status of Thailand's aviation safety and "the solutions to fix the faults that were found in the inspection as soon as possible."

Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau informed Thailand's civil aviation department by email earlier this week that it will not allow new charter flights operated by Thai-registered carriers to fly into Japanese airports.

The Japanese ban covers any "change of aviation services" and also bars airlines from changing the type of aircraft normally used on scheduled routes, the Thai civil aviation department said.

In Tokyo, bureau spokesman Noriaki Umezawa said the measure was a temporary one issued because of concerns that the airlines may not fully meet international safety standards.

South Korean said it was considering a similar ban.

Kwak, the South Korean transport official, said it was highly unlikely new flights would be approved.

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1749212/thai-airlines-could-face-ban-new-flights-after-audit-raises-safety?

[Lite Beer]

Bangkok:- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has assigned his deputy and foreign minister, Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, to negotiate with the Japan to be lenient over its bans of chartered flights from Thailand.

Following its inspections, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has flagged Thailand as a "significant safety concern", prompting Japan to ban chartered flights of three Thai airlines – Thai Airways International (THAI), Nok Air and Scoot.

The three airlines have submitted permissions to fly chartered flights to bring Thai tourists to Japan during the long Songkran holidays.

Japan also prohibited THAI, AirAsia X and Asia Atlantic from increasing flights or changing routes.

Prayut said he has assigned Thanasak to talk to the Japanese government to relax the bans as it could affect Thai tourism industry severely but he is not sure of the outcome of the talk.

Prayut blamed the previous government for ignoring the Civil Aviation Department’s request for upgrading its operations, for the ICAO’s negative designation.

THAI President Jarumporn Chotikasathein said Japan’s ban on new flights will affect five chartered flights THAI has planned for the high-season during the Songkran holidays.

Jaumporn said THAI’s plan to increase flights to other countries could also be affected by ICAO’s concerns on Thailand’s aviation safety.

He said THAI and the Civil Aviation Department have sent representatives to talk to the ICAO to affirm THAI’s safety standards.

Yutthachai Sunthornrattanawej, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said the ban will affect about 1,100 tourists from Thailand a day during the peak season in April and May, which are school holidays.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/812598-tanasak-assigned-to-negotiate-with-japan-over-flight-bans/

[Tep]

You would expect the larger, more established airlines to take safey seriously and invest the necessary resources to ensuring high standards. But they still need to be monitored and checked and so need to be regulated. What is of major concern is how the smaller, start up airlines are getting their licenses and whether they are being held to the same standard. If there are short cuts in the licensing process, then you could assume there may be also short cuts in the safety compliance regime or in the resources allocated to safety. This should be a significant concern to everyone, the industry and passengers.

Many people point to culture as a contributing factor in this current mess. I believe that most of the issues are systemic. The lack of accountability and under-resourcing are, I believe, core factors. DCA is a government department and acts accordingly. Government department's have the function to respond to policy directives (orders) from their political masters. Sure, effective technocrats are able to be competent and efficient but the government department model does not meet the needs of an industry regulatory body. Further government departments are funded on a budget cycle and have to compete for funds through a laborious cycle. A regulatory body is normally able to fund itself from levy's on the industry through licenses and so can access the resources required. Government departments have restrictions placed on staffing and remuneration by the Civil Service Commission. Regulatory agencies are able to establish an organisational structure appropriate to the needs of the job and to pay their staff at industry rates with incentives.

DCA is responsible for aviation policy and regulation. The regulatory function happens in its role as Secretariat to the Civil Aviation Board, which I believe is stll Chaired by the Minister. Separating the policy and regulatory roles as has happened in the energy and telecom sector would be a positive, structural solution to the issues raised by ICAO. There are other things that can happen sure, but we need to see real reform in the industry to regain the trust of the consumers/passengers.

[phrisco17]

"The minister added that he was also disappointed with the assessment of the Civil Aviation Departments performance in the supervision of safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organistion (ICAO)."

They don't like hearing the truth......Do they?

Well instead of complaining, do improve your safety standards and then you can moan.

Seems Japan is right for their action.

You don't wait for 3-4 months to rectify your faults that can have disastrous effects on people.

You do it NOW.

My guess is that it is already known for a long time and they waited already way longer than 3-4 month.

The Thai DCA showed very poorly in previous ICAO audits. I suppose ICAO just got tired of hollow promises! USA and EU will soon follow!

[lildragon]

Thailand drifts along thinking they are the Superior race at everything, then are shock, surprised, upset and dismayed when countries slap them down place sanctions against them for incompetence, ineptitude, and outright stupidity. They simply can not understand why the rest of the world doesn't recognize their Thai superiority.

It will be interesting if we are treated to anti Japanese articles in the Thai media.

The USA was savaged for a lot less than a direct action like this.

Just don't mention the occupation.....

[fred Kubasa]

And I am sure Japan feels very badly about his disappointment !

[jayboy]

This is a very significant story which is still at an early stage.If Thailand's aviation industry develops a reputation for slovenly safety standards the consequences would obviously be disastrous.Will the government be taking urgent action?

[NomadJoe]

"Airlines in Thailand Face Bans Over Safety Concerns"

"The designation of Thailand as a “significant safety concern...”

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/28/business/international/airlines-in-thailand-face-bans-over-safety-concerns.html

[starkey_rich]

I hope the EU countries also adapt this stance.They will be complaining then.Another loss of face for a totally incompetent thailand T.I.T

[wabothai]

Japan will be punished, guess where. Kanchanabury.

[WAERTH]

This could become a tit for tat .... you ban our airlines, we will ban yours

[ExPratt]

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This could become a tit for tat .... you ban our airlines, we will ban yours

Dont think TAT would allow that , mess up there 700% rising in tourusts this week

[NomadJoe]

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This could become a tit for tat .... you ban our airlines, we will ban yours

Dont think TAT would allow that , mess up there 700% rising in tourusts this week

Yeah.."Oh, so you're not going to let us fly to your country to bring your citizens to vacation or do business in our country? Well in that case, we won't let you bring your own citizens to vacation or do business in our country either!" That would be an exceedingly stupid thing for Thailand to do, which means it is very probable.

Edited March 28, 2015 by NomadJoe