Former Philippine Airlines pilot rescued from homelessness in Bangkok

Larry Malpaya, a 58‑year‑old former captain of Philippine Airlines and AirAsia, had lived in Thailand for about two decades. After a divorce from his Thai wife and a total loss of his savings in the stock market, he became homeless and was found severely injured under the BTS Ploenchit station in Bangkok on 29 July.

A passerby offered water, food and medicine, and after learning Malpaya’s identity, the Mirror Foundation intervened. The charity persuaded him to accept medical care and arranged his transport to a hospital, where he is being treated for diabetes and infected wounds. Thai authorities and the Philippine embassy are now working to verify his identity and determine next steps.

The case highlights the growing issue of foreign homelessness in Thailand and the role of local NGOs in providing emergency assistance.