Queen of Thailand Soars Again: From Fighter Jet to Commercial Aircraft
The Thai royal family has drawn sustained international attention in recent weeks, with the Queen emerging as a focal point in global media coverage. Following her recent solo flight of a Gripen fighter jet in the presence of the King, 48-year-old Queen Suthida demonstrated remarkable aviation prowess once again on October 14.
This time, dressed in a professional airline pilot uniform and wearing sunglasses, she personally piloted a Boeing 737-800 Royal Thai Air Force aircraft on a transnational journey lasting approximately seven hours, landing safely at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan. The seamless transition from fighter jet to commercial airliner left a striking impression on international observers.
A full-record video released by the Thai royal household shows Queen Suthida meticulously inspecting cockpit instruments before takeoff from Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok. After the aircraft landed safely at its destination, she exited the cockpit and immediately donned traditional Thai attire before stepping down the aircraft’s stairs. Without accompanying news reports, it is likely that those welcoming her at the airport would have found it difficult to believe she had flown the plane herself. Upon exiting the terminal, the Queen proceeded to drive the group directly to their hotel.
According to available information, Queen Suthida possesses extensive aviation experience. Prior to her marriage to the current King, she worked for an airline. Since joining the Royal Thai Armed Forces in 2010, she has undergone rigorous and systematic pilot training. She now holds flight licenses for multiple aircraft types, with accumulated flight time exceeding 1,180 hours—underscoring her substantial operational experience.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879929238357056/
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