Sawasdee ka! สวัสดีค่ะ 🙏🇹🇭
Welcome to WAI Siam, a passionate chapter under Women in Aviation International®, dedicated to elevating aviation and aerospace awareness Thailand. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, our team, comprised of aviation professionals, is on a mission to spread the word about aviation. Whether you're into planes or the tech behind them, we want to encourage you to join the aviation industry. Our goal is to increase the representation of women in the aviation/aerospace industry by 5% by 2050.
Let's soar together into a future where everyone's aviation dreams can take off! ✈️
#IAmWAI
Thailand’s first Chapter of Women in Aviation International®
Established in 2019, the IFALPA Female Pilots Working Group (FPWG) aims to improve the working environment for female airline pilots by addressing issues such as pregnancy, maternity leave, flexible rostering, medical concerns, CRM, training, and harassment. The FPWG also prioritizes networking and outreach, collaborating with industry groups like ICAO, Women in Aviation International (WAI), and Young Women in Aviation.
The creation of the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Siam Chapter marks a crucial step in promoting gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Thai aviation industry. This chapter has the potential to actively address and eliminate gender disparities, serving as a catalyst for networking, mentorship, and skill development. It establishes a supportive community for female professionals and enthusiasts, inspiring young girls to pursue aviation careers. The presence of the WAI Siam chapter not only signifies commitment but also actively contributes to the diversity, equity, and inclusion of Thailand's aviation landscape, aligning closely with IFALPA's position.
Captain Amornvaj (Ben) Mansumitchai
President of IFALPA
(International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations)
WAI Siam Chapter aims to create a robust network across the aviation industry, including ICAO, IATA, AerCap, CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand), AOT (Airports of Thailand), and more. Hear from professionals in the industry to gain insights into the diverse and dynamic landscape of aviation in Thailand.
PANCHATHIP THONGSUKCHOTE
FORMER AIR PURSER/CABIN SAFETY INSTRUCTOR,
THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
Having read through the aim and commitment of “WAI” Siam Chapter, I could right away imagine with excitement the possibility of exponential growth and development in aviation of the coming era. The “Share of voice”, or alternately “Communication”, is still a crucial part in aviation field, no matter how far the technological advancement is driven. I once in my life had the precious opportunity being a part of aviation resources for over 30 years, as a flight attendant, eventually becoming a cabin safety instructor and air purser, all of which molded me to be of something called “Competency” (Knowledge, Skill, Attitude), not only in terms of the career, but definitely also of the life fulfillment: it’s about life vision, dream fulfilled and living in a full alignment, flowing with values. I have always been feeling extremely grateful to Thai Airways International for being my “Integrated Life Practice Field”, plus, offering me a “Journey of Life”. I would like to thank you, the “WAI” Siam Chapter Team, for your contribution, your creativity and your dedication to the aviation in Thailand, which hopefully, to be globalized soon.
Yours sincerely,
Captain Sanong Mingcharoen
Former President,
Thai Pilots Association (2014-2021)
I am thrilled to hear about the establishment of the first WAI Siam Chapter in Thailand. The aviation industry in Thailand holds tremendous potential for growth and development. It has been a privilege to witness the passion and dedication of individuals within this field, and I believe that by fostering an inclusive environment, we can encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the industry, and their contribution is invaluable. I am confident that the WAI Siam Chapter will play a crucial role in providing support and opportunities for aspiring female aviators. I commend the initiative and encourage everyone to wholeheartedly embrace the exciting prospects that the aviation field has to offer.
Warm regards,
I am very happy that WAI Siam Chapter Team has given me an opportunity to be another voice to encourage women to work in aviation industry. Based on 33 years of experience at TG, and now as an Inflight Manager, I think women have many strengths such as soft polite power, patience in dealing with people, knowing how to use polite and sensitive languages at work and managing issues. We have the same curiosity, diligence and determination as men to do difficult things. I have to thank WAI Siam Chapter Team for supporting and educating women in aviation.
POWER OF WOMEN IS MORE THAN EXPECTATION.
Warm regards,
CIC Rujiwon Nipatdamrongkoun
In-flight Manager,
Thai Airways International
Aviation industry is the business sector dedicated to manufacturing and operating all types of aircraft including supporting capacities such as ATC, airport management, and so on. This business endeavour is not limited to male involvement. Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. There also are a few female test pilots in the US Air Force. This is to name a few cases of female involvement in aviation industry.
Apart from aforementioned about female involvement in aviation, we can find a number of female pilots flying all over the world in various airlines, not to mention female involvement in other fields of aviation business. Their performance is not inferior in any way.
According to prediction by McKinsey& Company that the airline business performance would equate that of before the Covid-19 era by 2024. And with the news of the “Return of the 747”, exponential growth in aviation industry is expected. The demand in aviation will be tremendous.
I, wholeheartedly, expect to find more involvement of female in aviation undertaking. With this, I am certain that WAI Siam Chapter will grow rapidly within a short period of time. I wish this establishment all the best and will be following the growth in order to learn of the transformation at the same time.
Yours sincerely,
Supachoke Suthichoti
- DBA, Southern Cross University Australia
- Lecturer of Master of Arts programme in Aviation Management, Kasem Bundit University
- Former Thai Airways International pilot instructor /company CRM instructor
- Former Thai Airways International pilot
I was thrilled to hear about the establishment of the first WAI Siam Chapter in Thailand. As someone who has dedicated over three decades to the aviation industry, I have had the distinct honor of witnessing the remarkable growth and transformation of aviation in this country. Throughout my career as a cabin crew instructor and in-flight manager at Thai Airways International, I have experienced firsthand the immense pride and fulfillment that this industry offers. I am a staunch advocate for encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation, allowing them to utilize their unique talents and unwavering passion for the skies. The establishment of the WAI Siam Chapter is a beacon of hope, providing a platform to empower and inspire individuals, particularly women, to wholeheartedly embrace the aviation field. I eagerly await witnessing the positive impact this chapter will have on shaping the future of aviation in Thailand.
With warm regards,
Julie May Mingcharoen Former In-flight Manager/Cabin Crew Instructor, Thai Airways International
Established in 2023, WAI Siam Chapter aims to enhance aviation awareness across Thailand. Our organization is committed to motivating individuals and expanding comprehension of the diverse professional prospects available in the aviation industry in Thailand. 🇹🇭
Meet our squad – a force of women with an aerospace engineering background and professionals in the aviation industry. We're rewriting the future of aerospace together. Ready to join the journey?
Bhudharhita (Phrare)Teinwan
Founder & President
A dedicated aerospace engineering graduate, currently driving business development at Airport of Thailand with a passionate commitment to propel Thailand's aviation and aerospace industry to global competitiveness.
Rachaya Deelertkulchai
Vice President
An aerospace engineering student with experience in aircraft repair engineering. A founding member of the first Thailand team that competed in the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition since 2022.
Nico Stevenson
Secretary
An aerospace engineering graduate currently pursuing a career in aircraft leasing industry at AerCap. With a strong background in aircraft maintenance, analysis, and technical management, looking to broaden experience in the industrial and management sector of aviation.
Chayanin Sayamchai
Treasurer
Aerospace engineering graduate aspiring to bridge the worlds of aviation and IT. Currently working as a business analyst in the Salesforce field, eager to channel my passion for aviation and technology.
Ramida Rungroj
Membership Chair
A dedicated aerospace engineering student with a passion to elevating Thailand's aviation industry. A member of Thailand's first Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering team, specializing in structural design.
Natthawara Lekkla
Outreach Director
An aerospace engineering graduate with a passion for the aircraft industry and aircraft maintenance, presently undertaking the pursuit of an EASA Part-66 aircraft maintenance license.
Panmile Jatupanyaporn
Founding Member
A dedicated aerospace engineering student currently pursuing a degree in the field with the support of a four-year scholarship from AerCap Ireland, and a notable member of Thailand's first Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering team.
Punyada Jantananont
Founding Member
Currently pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering and deeply passionate about contributing towards the advancement of aviation technology.
Embedded in Thailand's economic core is tourism, a pivotal GDP contributor. As aviation becomes integral to this sector, witnessing a commendable recovery with passenger travel at 80% of pre-pandemic levels, WAI Siam Chapter sees a strategic opportunity for sectoral advancement. As Thailand anticipates an upward trajectory in both the aviation sector and tourism, we are committed to fostering this growth by empowering professionals—both women and men—to contribute meaningfully to the aviation industry. 🛫
*Data as of June 2023
**The figure does not include passenger movements from July to September
Source: Airport of Thailand Statistics
Empowering Wings, Elevating Dreams: Soar Together with WAI Siam Chapter
Feel free to reach out to us!
(+66)81-825-9225
waisiamchapter@gmail.com
