Thai Queen trains to become fighter pilot
Queen Suthida of Thailand is undergoing flight training on Gripen fighter jets at Wing 7 in Surat Thani. If successful, she could become the first reigning queen to pilot a fighter aircraft, building upon her previous aviation experience.
Why it matters
The training highlights the intersection of royal duties and military modernization in Thailand.
SURAT THANI: Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is undertaking a Gripen fighter flight-training programme at Wing 7 in Surat Thani.
The privately undertaken programme is scheduled to run from Thursday (August 20, 2026) to September 4 and is expected to progress through the Royal Thai Air Force’s standard training stages towards a solo flight.
Flight instructors and aviation specialists are overseeing the programme and providing guidance throughout the training, the reports stated.
The reports described successful completion of the programme as potentially making Her Majesty the first reigning queen to fly a fighter aircraft.
Before beginning the Gripen programme, Her Majesty reportedly trained on the L-39 advanced jet trainer at the Royal Thai Air Force Flying Training School in Kamphaeng Saen district, Nakhon Pathom.
Her Majesty also completed several simulator sessions, including recent training at the Royal Thai Air Force facility in Don Mueang.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in