Thailand’s Queen Suthida has given the world another reason to look up. The queen made headlines on Thursday, October 8, after completing her first solo flight in a Gripen fighter jet in Surat Thani, Thailand. According to local Thai social media reports, she is also the first and only queen in the world to pilot a fighter jet. Images and videos of the flight quickly caught attention online, with social media users celebrating the rare sight of a queen taking the controls of a military aircraft.According to reports, King Maha Vajiralongkorn welcomed her with a bouquet and a Gripen Order Golden Patch after the flight.But aviation is not a new interest for Queen Suthida. She first became a pilot in 2010 and has since logged 1,188.48 hours of flying time across several aircraft, including the Cessna T-41, Pilatus PC-9, Piper PA-34 Seneca and Mooney M-20M. She has also undergone military training and serves as a co-pilot on royal aircraft alongside the king.Her latest achievement offers a glimpse into a side of the Thai queen that goes well beyond royal appearances and ceremonial duties.
Who is Queen Suthida?
Born on June 3, 1978, in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana graduated from Assumption University in Bangkok with a degree in communication arts.Her career began far from the royal palace. She worked as a flight attendant for Japan Airlines from 2000 to 2003, before joining Thai Airways International, where she remained until 2008.She later entered royal security service, taking on operational and military responsibilities. By 2017, she had risen to senior positions within the Royal Aide-de-Camp Department and the Royal Security Command.Her marriage to King Maha Vajiralongkorn took place on May 1, 2019, shortly before his coronation. She was subsequently given the title of queen.That journey, from working in commercial aviation to becoming a member of Thailand’s royal family, is a notable part of her story. And her continued interest in flying has helped set her apart from the usual image of a royal consort.
Flying is not her only passion
Queen Suthida is also known for her interest in sports, particularly sailing and ice hockey. Thailand’s government has highlighted her sporting abilities, while her aviation training has earned her the nickname “Pilot Queen”.
Thailand’s Queen Suthida makes history with her first solo flight in a Gripen fighter. (Photo Credit: X)
Her interests also extend to Thai culture and craftsmanship. She supports the preservation of traditional arts and handicrafts, including Thai silk, and regularly wears the fabric during official engagements at home and abroad. Her role includes helping bring greater attention to the country’s cultural heritage.She also undertakes official duties involving foreign affairs, welcoming visiting leaders and taking part in engagements intended to strengthen Thailand’s international relationships.These varied roles give her public profile a different dimension. She is seen not only at formal royal events but also in military settings, sporting activities and cultural engagements.
Why is Queen Suthida drawing so much attention?
Part of the fascination lies in the contrast. A queen taking the controls of a fighter jet is not an everyday sight, and Suthida’s background makes the achievement even more striking. Her experience as a commercial flight attendant, followed by years of aviation and military training, tells a story of skills developed over time rather than a title alone.
Bangkok:Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, left and Queen Suthida, right meet supporters after attending a ceremony to mark an anniversary of the death of King Vajiravudh in Bangkok, Thailand. AP/PTI Photo(
Earlier this year, she also drew attention when videos showed her flying alongside the king during a trip to Laos for a state visit.Her latest solo flight has once again brought those interests into the spotlight. For many watching online, the image of Thailand’s queen in a fighter jet is a reminder that her public life includes pursuits far removed from the traditional expectations of royal appearances.