Politicised THAI pilot grounded for barring ruling party MPs from flight

BANGKOK, Oct 8 (TNA) - National flag carrier Thai Airways (THAI)
temporarily suspended a pilot who refused to allow three members of
parliament from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to board its flights
Wednesday morning.

The pilot was upset with Tuesday's violence on the streets of the capital
and held that the government members of parliament should not be permitted
to fly.

Surin member of parliament Farida Sulaiman and two other government MPs
met the press Wednesday afternoon. Ms. Farida said she was about to board
a THAI flight from Don Mueang Airport to Khon Kaen at 6am.

She said the pilot for the flight challenged her, asking if she was an MP
from the government (PPP) party. Answering 'Yes', she was astonished to
hear the captain state 'THAI Airways does not welcome PPP MPs.'

MP Farida insisted on boarding the flight, stating her right as a
passenger, but the pilot, later identified as Chakkri Pongsiri, denied her
entry into the plane.

A miffed Ms. Farida said she would write a letter of complaint letter to
THAI as the pilot's action proved him to be irrational and that his
actions could affect the safety of passengers.

Hours later two other government party members of the House of
Representatives, Nongbua Lamphu MP Chaiya Promma and Nong Khai NP Chompoo
Chanthathong, were refused permission to board a THAI flight to Udon
Thani.

The rejected MPs said they were informed by THAI ground staff that the
pilot disallowed them from boarding the aircraft "as they worked for
'tyranny'". The MPs later learned of the incident with MP Farida.

Meanwhile, THAI labour union president Chamsri Sukchoterat said the
captain of any flight has the legal right to reject passengers whom he
believes would cause trouble.

Mrs. Chamsri said the captain could also refuse a passenger if he felt
other passengers' safety was at risk.

However, THAI Airways vice president Norahuch Ployyai told a press
conference that the company apologised for the incidents and has begun an
investigation of Captain Chakkri's actions to determine if they
inconsistent with pilot's regulations and professional ethics.

Flight Officer Norahuch said the captain has been asked to explain his
actions.

The THAI executive said that after the incident company executives met
with its pilots, cabin crews and ground staff asking them not to repeat
such actions, and that all passengers have a right to service as patrons.

Montree Jumrieng, who heads THAI's Human Resources and General Management,
said the pilot has been suspended from duty while the investigation is
being done, and that disciplinary action will be taken against him if he
is found to have violated company regulations.