The president of Thai Airways International's has issued an apology via a public Facebook post to two first class passengers who were forced to give up their seats to a pair of off-duty pilots.

On Oct. 11, a Thai Airways flight (TG971) from Zurich to Bangkok was delayed for two hours.

This was after the flight's pilots refused to take off, unless some first class passengers gave up their seats for two off-duty pilots who were also on board the plane.

None of the first class passengers wanted to give up their seats, but after a two-hour delay, a couple vacated theirs so that the plane could take off.

The couple later filed a complaint.

The flight was originally scheduled for 1.30pm.

It arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport one hour behind schedule.

Public apology

On Oct. 18, Sumeth Damrongchaitham, the president of Thai Airways International, issued a public apology denouncing the incident for affecting the airline's image, and apologising to the affected passengers:

"I express sorrow and apologise to all passengers affected by the unprofessional action that caused the delay. And I apologise to the passengers who were directly affected by the seat change. I take responsibility for the incident."

Sumeth also said that an investigation into the incident has been ordered.

Last month, a Thai airport guard was filmed hitting a Chinese tourist who refused to produced the relevant documents, triggering strong reactions from Thai officials who fear getting on the wrong side of Thailand's biggest source of tourists.

Two senior airport employees were suspended and the guard in question were sacked.

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Top image via Thai Airways