Patthapong, Deputy Minister of Transport, has ordered the establishment of a task force to resolve the issue of aircraft bird strikes, aiming to improve aviation safety and reduce damages exceeding 530 million baht annually. He noted that in 2025, there were 1,644 such incidents.
On 25 June 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertviwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes raising transportation and aviation safety standards. Deputy Minister of Transport Patthapong Patrapasit chaired the meeting. The meeting discussed strategies to reduce aircraft bird strike accidents. Together with relevant agencies, they aimed to establish systematic prevention and resolution measures to minimize impacts on passengers and airlines, while elevating Thailand's aviation safety to meet international standards.
Bird strikes pose a global challenge due to their potential impact on flight safety and the damage they cause to aircraft and airline operations. Thailand's environment supports bird habitats, and with increasing flight numbers, there were 1,644 bird strike incidents in 2025, resulting in damage to critical aircraft components such as engines, aircraft noses, and cockpit windows.
. These incidents also affect airline operations, requiring aircraft inspections and maintenance per standards, causing flight delays, complicating schedule management, and incurring costs for passenger care and compensation, totaling over 530 million baht annually.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that the meeting approved the formation of an integrated task force to address bird strike issues long-term. It will coordinate work among government agencies, airports, and airlines, focus on data sharing, develop scientifically based prevention measures, and apply appropriate technology and innovation to manage risks effectively.
“The government is committed to continuously enhancing aviation safety through collaboration across sectors to prevent and reduce risks from bird strikes, minimize losses to operators and passengers, build confidence in the national aviation system, and sustain Thailand’s compliance with international aviation safety standards.”