BANGKOK, 15 June 2026 — Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is preparing measures to address growing unemployment among Thai pilots, with more than 1,700 aviators currently out of work despite signs of recovery in the aviation industry.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattharapong Phatprasit chaired a meeting with the Thai Pilots Association (THAIPA) to discuss employment prospects for Thai pilots and concerns over the controversial "Pay to Fly" system, under which aspiring pilots are required to pay significant sums in exchange for flying opportunities.
According to figures presented at the meeting, Thailand currently has 1,736 unemployed pilots, while another 1,219 holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) are still awaiting their first jobs. The combined investment in pilot training that has yet to be utilized is estimated at more than 4.3 billion baht.
Officials said the problem stems from several factors, including an oversupply of pilots relative to market demand, the hiring of foreign pilots in certain sectors, gaps in labor protections for specialized aviation professions, and the emergence of Pay to Fly schemes, which critics say undermine fairness and equal access to the profession.
During the meeting, THAIPA proposed both short- and long-term solutions. These include establishing clear regulations governing Pay to Fly programs, improving employment standards and welfare benefits, strengthening enforcement of laws related to the employment of Thai pilots, creating whistleblower and complaint mechanisms, and developing a system to better align pilot training capacity with the aviation industry's actual demand.
The ministry said cooperation among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and professional organizations will be essential to addressing the structural challenges facing the sector, expanding fair employment opportunities, and ensuring the sustainable development of Thailand’s aviation industry.















