Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered aviation officials to quickly resolve problems with air safety standards after the US Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Thailand’s safety rating.
FAA inspectors said Thailand no longer met ‘minimum international standards’ resulting in a downgrade from Category 1 to 2.
It did not disclose the specifics, but said the Department of Civil Aviation was ‘deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping or inspection procedures.’
Earlier this year the International Civil Aviation Organization also downgraded Thai aviation for a lack of qualified technical officers.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the lower rating would not affect connectivity as no Thai carrier now flies to the US, but admitted confidence in Thai aviation standards could be hit.
"There is an impact in terms of sentiment. We do need to meet international standards," he said.
Patee Sarasin, chairman of low-cost carrier Nok Airlines, said the ruling would have little material impact on the airline’s business but would affect the country’s reputation.
