Thailand: Pilots Fight Foreign Competition for Jobs
The Thai Pilots Association (TPA) is urging the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to uphold its commitment and not extend temporary permissions granted to foreign pilots operating domestic routes under wet-lease agreements. This plea arises from growing concern about the long-term impact on Thai pilot employment, with many remaining unemployed following the pandemic-exacerbated industry downturn.
The core issue is perceived ambiguity in the cabinet resolution permitting foreign pilots on domestic flights. While nominally limiting each wet-lease agreement to six months, with a possible six-month extension, TPA President Teerawat Angkasakulkiat worries about potential exploitation. He fears airlines might repeatedly use these short-term agreements, creating a revolving door for foreign pilots and hindering Thai pilot career progression. This uncertainty affects over 1,700 unemployed Thai pilots seeking domestic positions.
Following a meeting with CAAT last week, Mr. Angkasakulkiat expressed cautious optimism. He noted CAAT acknowledged the employment challenges facing Thai pilots and pledged not to extend existing wet-lease agreements for foreign pilots. This offers hope for local pilots seeking industry re-entry. The TPA also welcomed CAAT’s plans to boost job opportunities for Thai pilots, including support for those seeking international carrier employment. This initiative gains significance as Thailand anticipates regaining its Category 1 safety rating from the U. S. Federal Aviation Administration, expected to open more opportunities for local aviation professionals.
The TPA’s concerns are underscored by significant pilot unemployment. While approximately 3,300 pilots are employed by Thai airlines, a substantial number fly internationally, leaving many qualified professionals unemployed. The association cites other countries' measures protecting domestic pilot jobs, such as Indonesia’s repatriation of Thai pilots during the pandemic, and highlights the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree, which reserves domestic flight operation for Thai citizens. Currently, only one Thai airline utilizes foreign pilots on wet-leased aircraft, primarily for the Bangkok-Phuket route.
Further complicating the situation, the TPA filed a lawsuit against the Labour Ministry with the Administrative Court, seeking a temporary injunction to prevent foreign pilots from operating domestic routes. This legal action demonstrates the association’s commitment to protecting its members' interests and highlights the tension between airlines' immediate needs and the long-term employment prospects of Thai pilots.
Meanwhile, the Labour Ministry is addressing broader Thai national employment overseas. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the ministry facilitated the placement of 26 Thai pilots with Cathay Pacific last month, part of a larger quota of over 1,000 Thai crew members the airline intends to hire. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to secure employment for 100,000 Thais abroad this year, focusing on markets such as Japan, Israel, Hong Kong, and Macau.
As Thailand’s aviation industry recovers, balancing current operational needs with ensuring long-term local pilot employment remains a challenge. The TPA’s efforts highlight the need for a sustainable solution addressing industry needs while safeguarding the careers of qualified Thai pilots. The outcome of the ongoing dialogue between the TPA, the government, and the airlines will be crucial in shaping the future of the Thai aviation landscape.
