Orders Safety Improvements After Downgrade By The U.S. Agency

The government of Thailand has moved quickly to implement improvements in aviation safety after being downgraded to Category 2 by the FAA.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered safety Department of Civil Aviation officials in that country to improve its safety standards.

The FAA did not give details as to why it had lowered the safety rating for Thailand, other than to say it was deficient in "one of more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping or inspection procedures."

Reuters reports that in a statement, the transportation ministry said that it would increase its workforce in an effort to match international standards. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told reporters in a news conference that the county would work to recertify 28 airlines flying international routes by August, which would help boost its standing in future audits.

Government officials said that the financial impact of the downgrade was minimal, but the country needs to meet international safety standards. The downgrade block Thai-flagged airlines from launching or expanding services to the U.S., and may impact their image in the country's tourism industry. Currently, no Thai airline has a direct flight to the United States, according to the report.

FMI: www.aviation.go.th/en/index.php