Thailand’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has moved to bolster the country’s aviation safety credentials, signalling plans to establish a new unit to oversee the transportation of dangerous goods.

Transport deputy permanent secretary Woradej Harnprasert indicated the changes, planned to come into effect next month, after a meeting of DCA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) officials on Wednesday 8th April.

The DCA was prompted to take action after an ICAO audit found serious deficiencies around issues of air operator certification, issuing of operation specifications and hazardous goods transport certification.

ICAO spokesman Anthony Philbin noted that the audit was not directed towards the operational safety of Thailand, or the airlines that operate there. “Rather, our audits review the capabilities of state civil aviation authorities with respect to how they resource and manage aviation safety oversight responsibilities in their jurisdictions,” said Mr Philbin.

Mr Woradej expressed his confidence in the ability of the DCA to meet the international standards for aviation safety.