Originally Posted by
Koan
How do they get around the following restriction 5), which prohibits foreigners operating domestic flights? The well known brown envelopes to corrupt officials? I have met some guys however who did previously fly domestically in Thailand with carriers that are no longer operating, or appear to be now shut down (Kan Air).
As true as the saying is, 'don't ask a lawyer how to fly an aircraft'....... so is the saying ' don't ask a pilot for legal advice'! Even back in the 70s and 80s, TG had foreign pilots flying for them.
There are expats flying at the following airlines all with work permits and work visas flying both domestic and international. No need for envelops as it is all perfectly normal.
Thai Lion,
Nok (Q400 fleet - Nok did have expats on the NG fleet until late 2017),
Thai Smile,
New Gen,
Siam Air,
Orient Thai (currently in limbo).
There are a few others no longer operating like AAA, Jet Asia and City Air all of which had foreigners etc
The first 3 airlines fly domestic as well as international routes. Probably around the 30% of Thai Lions Captains are expats (including Indonesians and Malaysians). If you really think that foreigners are prohibited from operating domestic flights, then perhaps contact the Thai CAA, but be prepared to be ignored.