Thailand Queen Suthida pilots royal aircraft to Japan, days after Gripen jet milestone

Thailand's Queen Suthida piloted a royal aircraft from Bangkok to Hokkaido for a nine-day Japan visit. The journey highlights her aviation experience and role as the IIHF's first Women's Global Ambassador.Thailand Queen Suthida pilots royal aircraft to Japan (Photos: @wuthi11_/X)Thailand's Queen Suthida took the pilot's seat on a royal aircraft and flew herself to Japan for a nine-day visit, where she is set to attend the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Women's Asia Championship.According to a report by VnExpress, the queen arrived in Hokkaido on October 14, travelling from Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok to New Chitose Airport. The aircraft landed at 10.05 am local time, after which she drove herself to her hotel in Sapporo.Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is scheduled to present medals and trophies to athletes participating in the championship. Her October 14-22 visit was arranged at the invitation of the IIHF president, in recognition of her role as the federation's first Women's Global Ambassador.Watch the video here: It has been confirmed that the Queen of Thailand flew the Boeing 737-8Z6 to Japan herself today. https://t.co/wxZrk7M9iX— (@wuthi11_) October 14, 2026 The queen has been actively involved in promoting ice hockey in Thailand, both through her participation in the sport and her support for its development. She has also attended ice hockey events in Thailand and Italy, according to Thai broadcaster Thai PBS.Her latest flight comes just days after she made headlines for another aviation milestone. On October 8, Queen Suthida completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn present. The flight made her the first reigning queen in the world to pilot a fighter jet. Before marrying the king in 2019, Queen Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways. She began flight training in 2010 and has since accumulated nearly 1,190 flight hours.Her experience also extends to flying alongside the king on royal journeys. According to VnExpress, she has frequently served as his co-pilot, including during a trip to Bhutan, where the aircraft landed at Paro International Airport, known for its challenging approach.The royal couple also flew their own aircraft to Hanoi during a state visit in September, adding to their record of taking an active role in aviation during official travel.- Ends