PM promises fast ending to aviation hurdle
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Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that he had discussions with Japan and South Korea's leaders on the countries' ban of new flights from Thailand.
They promised to take into consideration Thailand's plea, he said.
He called for understanding from the Thai public, saying that the problem has been existing for a long time. He also promised to fix the problem as soon as possible as well as brainstorm for relief measures for affected businesses.
In an audit, the International Civil Aviation Organisation stressed safety concerns on airlines operating from Thailand. Reacting to these concerns, Japan bans chartered flights and new scheduled flights from Thailand. South Korea is reportedly planning to adopt a similar measure.
Japan's ban affects four Thai airlines - Thai Airways International, Thai Smile, NokScoot and AirAsiaX. These airlines cannot add new flights or change the destinations for their scheduled flights or aircraft.
Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong said that it required an overhaul in the system, including the personnel area, to meet the ICAO's requirements.
The audit in 2005 required an improvement in the Civil Aviation Deparment's operations which have not yet met international standards. Another audit this year showed no improvement.
According to Prajin, the Transport Ministry submitted the enhancement plan on March 2 and ICAO suggested improvement in some items. The ministry is working to comply with the requirements, he said.
He noted that the department has tried to improve its operations amid small budget allocation. but won little supports.
As an Air Force officer, he understood that the matter must be fixed as soon as possible. All relevant personnel must be retrained while new laws are necessary, whcih will take some time, he said.
