Thai Airways International is reported to have lost more than 200 of its pilots during the past five years, with rival airlines offering higher rates of pay.
Thai stated that it had been losing up to 40 pilots per year, a figure that was expected to be repeated this year as some accepted offers of early retirement.
The airline denied reports that 200 pilots handed in their resignations at the same time earlier this year over concerns for the airline's financial situation.
Siwakiat Jayema, acting president of Thai, said that many of its pilots had joined other major airlines: "It's life, people just can change jobs if they can earn more money.”
Montree Jumrieng, Thai’s acting executive vice president for corporate strategy and sustainable development, said many of the airline's pilots were offered employment by major carriers from the Middle East.
Jumrieng also said that Japan Airlines was understood to be paying pilots as much as THB1 million per month, while Emirates were paying up to THB700,000 per month. Thai’s pilots earn up to THB240,000 a month, excluding flight allowances.