From airline cockpit to Bangkok pavement. Former Philippine Airlines and AirAsia pilot Larry Malpaya was found homeless beneath Ploen Chit BTS station with serious leg wounds before the Mirror Foundation persuaded him to accept hospital treatment.
A former airline captain who once flew for Philippine Airlines and Philippines AirAsia has been found homeless and badly injured beneath a Bangkok BTS station after a dramatic fall from the cockpit into destitution. The 58-year-old Filipino, who has lived in Thailand for about 20 years, repeatedly refused help despite diabetes and serious leg wounds before a passer-by and the Mirror Foundation finally persuaded him to accept hospital treatment. His extraordinary story has now prompted the Philippine Embassy and Thai officials to verify his identity and arrange assistance.
A former Filipino airline pilot has been found living beneath a Bangkok BTS station after spending about 20 years in Thailand. The discovery triggered an emergency rescue after passers-by found him injured, homeless and refusing medical treatment.
The 58-year-old was discovered beneath Ploen Chit BTS Station this week. His condition alarmed those who stopped to help.
He suffered from diabetes and had deep cuts and abrasions covering one leg. Thick scabs covered the untreated wounds. Previously married to a Thai woman, he had later divorced and was living alone.
Former airline pilot found homeless beneath Bangkok BTS station after years in Thailand and declining help
The case surfaced after a Thai man described the encounter in a Facebook post on July 29. According to his account, he spotted the injured foreigner while walking home. He decided to stop rather than pass by.
The stranger identified himself as Larry Malpaya, a Filipino national. During their conversation, Malpaya said he had lived in Thailand for about two decades.
Notably, security guards from a nearby condominium provided a crucial timeline. They said Malpaya had remained beneath the station since July 27. They also revealed that several people had already tried to help him. Each attempt ended the same way. He politely declined assistance and refused to go to hospital.
As the conversation continued, Malpaya revealed more about his background. He said he had previously lived with his Thai wife in Pathum Thani. However, the marriage had ended in divorce. According to the Facebook post, he became emotional while discussing his former wife. The Thai man then steered the conversation elsewhere.
Internet search uncovers former pilot’s career after emotional roadside conversation beneath BTS station
Instead, he searched online using Malpaya’s name. The results produced reports identifying him as a former airline pilot. He showed the information to Malpaya, who confirmed it was accurate. He said he had previously flown for Philippine Airlines and Philippines AirAsia.
However, another difficult moment quickly followed. Malpaya again became emotional when discussing his career. He explained that he had gone bankrupt after investing in the stock market. The financial collapse ended what had once been a successful aviation career.
In response, the Thai man asked why he had continued refusing medical treatment despite his worsening injuries. Malpaya said he had no money, no health insurance and no identification documents. He feared he could never pay the medical bills if admitted to hospital.
Even then, he tried to remain independent. Malpaya asked only for drinking water and herbal medicine from a nearby convenience store.
He also offered the Thai man 120 baht to cover the cost. The offer was politely refused. Instead, the passer-by bought bottled water, bread and pain relief medication. Malpaya again explained that he suffered from diabetes, increasing concern over his untreated wounds.
Mirror Foundation steps in after repeated refusals as former pilot finally agrees to hospital treatment
Meanwhile, help was already on its way. A representative from the Mirror Foundation arrived while the pair were still talking. The organisation informed the Thai man that an emergency medical team had been arranged. Even so, Malpaya still hesitated. Before leaving, the Thai man urged him to accept treatment.
Later, the Thai man updated his Facebook post. Security guards confirmed Malpaya had finally agreed to receive medical care. Emergency workers then transported him to hospital for treatment.
Separately, the Thai man continued researching Malpaya’s past after returning home. He found reports showing the former pilot had volunteered for special flight missions during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Those reports said he accepted the assignments despite the risks involved.
On another front, the Mirror Foundation began coordinating with officials. According to DailyNews, the organisation is now working with the Philippine Embassy and relevant Thai authorities.
The immediate priority is verifying Malpaya’s identity and nationality. That process will determine what further assistance can be arranged. The foundation said additional support will be considered after his medical condition improves.
Embassy and officials verify former pilot’s identity as Mirror Foundation prepares further assistance
The Mirror Foundation is one of Thailand’s best-known charitable organisations. It regularly assists homeless people, missing persons and vulnerable individuals across the country. It also works closely with hospitals, emergency services and government agencies during rescue operations.
In this case, the foundation’s intervention proved decisive. Members of the public had repeatedly offered help before its arrival.
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Every attempt had failed because Malpaya refused treatment. The emergency response finally persuaded him to leave the roadside and accept hospital care.
The dramatic contrast between Malpaya’s former career and his present circumstances has drawn widespread attention across Thai social media.
Once trusted to fly commercial aircraft, he was instead found lying beneath one of Bangkok’s busiest elevated rail stations. For now, he remains under medical care while officials work to confirm his identity and assess what further support can be provided once his condition improves.
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