Anutin to fly in F-16 fighter jet during Air Force border mission

Bangkok — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been scheduled to embark on a Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jet journey during a visit to Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on August 14. The objective of the flight is to receive briefings on border security, inspect military hardware, and engage with air force personnel. As per a report published on Monday, the Royal Thai Air Force has extended an invitation for Anutin, who also assumes the role of chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), to participate in the flight aboard a two-seater F-16 fighter aircraft stationed at Wing 1.

The prime minister's travel itinerary commences with a transfer from Wing 6 in Bangkok to Wing 1 via a Royal Thai Air Force vehicle. Subsequently, he will receive operational guidance on the air force's missions, the security scenario along the border, ongoing operations pertaining to border unrest, and crucial research and development projects.

Furthermore, Anutin will be briefed on the proposed flight mission. Once aboard the F-16, he will fasten a G-suit before boarding the aircraft for a sortie departing from and landing at Wing 1 airbase in Nakhon Ratchasima. Post-flight, the air force will orchestrate a ceremony to acknowledge the successful completion of the mission, followed by a collective photograph.

During his tenure as NSC chairman, Anutin is also slated to address Wing 1 personnel and inspect military equipment. Should the visit materialize as projected, Anutin will become the second Thai prime minister to engage in a two-seater F-16 flight. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra holds the distinction of being the first Thai premier to partake in such a flight, occupying the rear seat as a passenger.