BANGKOK, Thailand – A former pilot who once flew for Philippine Airlines and AirAsia was found severely injured and homeless under the BTS Ploen Chit station. The 58-year-old man refused medical help for days until the Mirror Foundation convinced him.
A Thai passerby found him on July 29 on his way home. He was lying under the station with deep cuts and scrapes on one leg – the wounds were untreated and covered with thick scabs.
Discovery under the BTS station
Security guards at a nearby residential complex reported the man had been there since July 27. Several people had tried to help, but he refused every time.
Former pilot’s downfall
The homeless man identified himself as Larry Malpaya, a Filipino national. He said he had lived in Thailand for about 20 years, was previously married to a Thai woman and now divorced. His ex-wife and the loss of his career weighed heavily on him.
The passerby’s research confirmed Malpaya’s past: he was a captain at Philippine Airlines and Philippines AirAsia. During the early Covid-19 pandemic, he volunteered for special missions. Later, he lost his entire fortune through stock investments and became homeless.
I can’t pay the bill
I can’t pay the bill
said Larry Malpaya, former pilot.
Malpaya refused medical help because he had no money, no insurance, and no identification papers. He feared he would never be able to pay hospital bills. Instead, he asked only for drinking water and herbal medicine.
He offered the helper 120 Baht to buy water from the supermarket. The passerby refused the money and bought him water, bread, and painkillers.
Mirror Foundation brings the turn
While they were still talking, a team from the Mirror Foundation arrived. The organisation had already alerted an emergency doctor. Still, Malpaya hesitated.
Only after urgent persuasion did he agree. Rescue workers took him to hospital. The Mirror Foundation confirmed he received medical care.
Identity checks and next steps
Malpaya also suffered from diabetes, which complicated his health condition. The Mirror Foundation is now coordinating with the Philippine embassy and the relevant Thai authorities. Malpaya’s identity has not yet been officially confirmed.