BANGKOK, THAILAND — The Supreme Administrative Court in Bangkok on Tuesday rejected an emergency petition from the Thai Pilots Association (TPA), allowing 38 foreign pilots to continue flying domestic routes under existing wet-lease contracts.
Court Rejects Urgent Appeal
Presiding judge Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, who also serves as President of the Thai Pilots Association, confirmed that the court dismissed the emergency injunction on grounds of public disruption. On Tuesday, he stated that an immediate suspension would have left several authorized crews unable to complete scheduled flights within Thailand. “CANCELLING THESE LICENSES NOW WOULD STRAND PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE,” Judge Teerawat said after the ruling at the courthouse on Chaeng Watthana Road.
The decision means that Air Operator Certificate holders who leased foreign aircraft and personnel through a six‑month scheme may continue operations through the end of the current authorization period.
Labor Ministry Authorized 38 Foreign Crews
The Ministry of Labour, guided by advice from the Ministry of Transport, issued the original exemptions earlier this year to private carriers to speed post‑pandemic expansion. Exactly 38 pilots and co‑pilots received special work permits valid for a maximum of six months, according to ministry records published in March 2024.
The ministry reported that domestic demand had returned to more than 90 percent of 2019 flight volumes, while recruitment delays limited the number of available Thai crews. The arrangement allowed airlines to rent entire aircraft, including cockpit and cabin staff, under so‑called wet‑lease contracts.
Thai Pilots Pursue Main Trial
Despite the dismissal, the TPA continues to challenge the validity of the special permits. Judge Teerawat confirmed that evidence collection in the main case finished in May 2024, and the verdict remains pending. “THIS CASE WILL DETERMINE WHETHER FUTURE MINISTERS MAY ISSUE SUCH PERMITS AGAIN,” he told reporters following the hearing.
Airlines Hold Back New Requests
According to the TPA office in Don Mueang District, no new applications have reached the ministries since June 2024, but internal union records show that over 200 licensed Thai pilots remain unemployed. Teerawat linked that figure to Boeing delivery delays, which have postponed fleet expansion across the region by several months.
Thai Airways Plans 15 New Airbus Jets
The flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) announced that it would take delivery of 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft and recruit approximately 200 trainee pilots between 2025 and 2026. A THAI spokesperson confirmed the plan during a press briefing at the airline’s Vibhavadi Rangsit Road headquarters on 20 June 2024.
Judge Teerawat, who also flies for THAI, urged the airline’s board to proceed cautiously. “THIS WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY REDUCE THE UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG EXPERIENCED CAPTAINS,” he noted, explaining that several carriers prefer seasoned commanders for fleet transitions to Airbus models.
Proposal for A330‑200 Fleet Expansion
In addition to the narrow‑body order, THAI’s management board is evaluating the purchase of 10 Airbus A330‑200 long‑haul aircraft. Teerawat endorsed the move, arguing the jets would support Bangkok’s role as an international hub by expanding the hub‑and‑spoke network. He appealed directly to the board to approve the acquisition before the fourth quarter of 2024, calling the decision “STRATEGIC FOR THE AIRLINE’S FUTURE.”
Uncertain Outcome Ahead
The continuing dispute between the Thai Pilots Association, the Ministry of Labour, and private airlines exposes a fragile balance between job protection and capacity growth. The main judgment, expected later this year, could redefine pilot licensing policy and the role of foreign crews within Thailand’s civil aviation sector.