The Thai Pilots Association is set to file a lawsuit against the Labour Ministry at the Administrative Court on Friday, seeking a temporary injunction to prevent foreign pilots from operating domestic flights. The legal action follows the cabinet’s decision in December to allow foreign pilots to fly domestic routes under wet lease agreements, a move aimed at addressing an aircraft shortage.
Association president Teerawat Angkasakulkiat argues that the policy violates both the 2017 Foreigners Working Management Emergency Decree and the 1954 Air Navigation Act. He pointed to Section 7 of the Labour Ministry’s decree, which prohibits foreign pilots from flying within Thailand. While Section 14 permits exemptions in cases of national or economic security and public disasters, Teerawat contends that the government’s justification—supporting tourism—does not meet these criteria.
The Air Navigation Act also mandates that domestic pilots be Thai nationals unless explicitly approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Teerawat claims that since wet lease agreements classify pilots as officers on duty, the Labour Ministry and cabinet do not have the legal authority to approve such arrangements without CAAT authorization.
The association warns that this temporary measure, which can be extended for a year, could set a long-term precedent. Teerawat expressed concerns that the reliance on foreign pilots might reduce investment in training Thai pilots and affect job opportunities for local aviators.
The lawsuit is expected to be filed on Friday, though its outcome remains uncertain. Officials and industry representatives, including those from CAAT and the Labour Ministry, have not yet commented on the legal challenge.
