Suthida’s interest in aviation goes back years, long before she became queen.
Before marrying King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019, she worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways. She began flight training in 2010 and has reportedly logged nearly 1,190 hours in the air.
Flying isn’t limited to occasional appearances, either. She has served as the king’s co-pilot on royal journeys, including a trip to Bhutan, where the approach to Paro International Airport is known for being particularly challenging.
The royal couple also flew their own aircraft to Hanoi for a state visit in September.
With the fighter jet flight still fresh in people’s minds, Suthida’s latest journey to Japan has added another chapter to her unusual aviation story. For a queen whose public role includes diplomacy, sport and royal duties, the cockpit appears to be a place where she is just as comfortable taking the lead.
