Thailand Queen Suthida Successfully Completes Solo Fighter Jet Flight

Thailand’s Queen Suthida has drawn attention after successfully completing a solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet. The Queen took off from Wing 7 Airbase in Surat Thani province as part of her intensive aviation training. King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched the flight in person and congratulated his wife after she completed the sortie successfully. The Thai Royal Family shared a video of the flight on its official X account, and the footage has since attracted widespread attention online.

The royal couple have previously demonstrated their interest in aviation. During their visit to Bhutan last year, King Maha Vajiralongkorn personally piloted a Boeing 737-800 belonging to the royal family, with Queen Suthida serving as co-pilot. The King has military aviation experience and is qualified to fly aircraft including the F-5, F-16 and Boeing 737-400. Queen Suthida has also flown civilian aircraft and began working as a pilot in 2010. According to the information provided, she has accumulated 1,188 hours of flying experience.