Transport Ministry Moves forward to establish an integrated task force to discuss ways to reduce accidents "Bird strikes on aircraft" Raising aviation safety to international standards after incidents surged to 1,644 in 2025, causing over 530 million baht in damages
Mr. Phattharaphong Phattharaprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport chaired a meeting to discuss ways to reduce bird strike accidents to enhance aviation safety and minimize impacts on airline operations. Also attending were Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport; Mr. Danai Ruangson, Director-General of the Department of Airports; representatives of the Airlines Association of Thailand; and related agencies at the Ratcharot 1 meeting room, Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Phattharaphong stated that bird strikes are a significant challenge for the global aviation industry, including Thailand, where the environment supports a large bird population. Coupled with increasing flight volumes, this led to 1,644 bird strike incidents in 2025, causing damage to vital aircraft parts such as engines, the aircraft nose, and cockpit windows. Indirect impacts are also severe, including aircraft being taken out of service for inspections and maintenance to standards, flight delays, and costs for passenger compensation, resulting in total damages to airlines exceeding 530 million baht annually.
The meeting discussed collaborative solutions and established an integrated task force to study and develop long-term measures. Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, was appointed chair. The task force will focus on data sharing, scientific measure development, and applying suitable innovations to enhance Thailand’s aviation safety, reduce potential losses, and sustainably build confidence in the Thai aviation system to meet international standards.
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