Thailand's Queen Suthida pilots royal aircraft to Japan

Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, the consort of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, took to the skies to represent her country in Japan. On October 14, she piloted a Boeing 737-800 from Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Upon landing, the queen proceeded to her hotel in Sapporo, marking the beginning of her 10-day visit to the country.

The royal flight was part of a diplomatic mission sponsored by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The IIHF president had extended an invitation to Queen Suthida, recognizing her role as the federation's first Women's Global Ambassador. The queen's visit, scheduled from October 14 to 22, aimed to promote ice hockey in Thailand, a sport she has championed both as an athlete and an advocate.

Before her ascendancy to the throne, Queen Suthida served as a flight attendant for Thai Airways. She embarked on her flight training journey in 2010, accumulating nearly 1,190 flight hours. Her dedication to aviation was further underscored by her recent solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet, an achievement that made her the first reigning queen in the world to pilot such a sophisticated aircraft.

Her aviation skills also earned her a position as the king's co-pilot on numerous royal trips, including a journey to Bhutan in September.

Queen Suthida's involvement in ice hockey predates her royal duties. She has previously attended ice hockey events in Thailand and Italy, showcasing her passion for the sport. Her commitment to promoting ice hockey in her homeland has been instrumental in fostering the sport's growth in Thailand.