After Making Headlines With a Fighter Jet, Queen Suthida Shines on the Ice
After Making Headlines With a Fighter Jet, Queen Suthida Shines on the Ice
SAPPORO, October 18, 2026 — Thailand’s Queen Suthida has attracted international attention after showcasing her ice hockey skills in Sapporo, Japan, during her first international visit as the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Global Ambassador for Women.
The 48-year-old queen travelled to Hokkaido at the invitation of the IIHF president to attend the Women’s Asia Championship, scheduled for October 14–22, 2026, according to VnExpress International.
On October 15, Queen Suthida attended the opening match between Japan and Kazakhstan at Tsukisamu Ice Arena. She also watched other matches and presented the championship trophy to the winning team.
Queen takes to the ice herself
Beyond her role as an honorary ambassador, Queen Suthida demonstrated that she is an active ice hockey enthusiast with practical sporting skills.
She put on her skates and took to the ice in Sapporo, demonstrating a range of technical skills that attracted attention from tournament organisers and spectators.
The IIHF praised the queen as an inspirational figure for women and younger generations worldwide, highlighting her determination and passion for sport.
Her appearance combined her royal responsibilities with her personal interest in ice hockey, helping draw attention to the sport and its development among women.
Aviation skills also draw international attention
Queen Suthida’s visit to Japan has also highlighted her aviation experience. She personally piloted a Boeing 737 on the journey from Bangkok to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido before driving herself to her hotel in Sapporo.
The report said she has accumulated more than 1,190 flight hours, reflecting years of aviation training and experience.
Before marrying King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019, Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways. She has since become known for her interest in aviation and her participation in royal flights.
Her latest appearance in Japan brings together two of her prominent interests: flying and ice hockey.
As the IIHF’s first Global Ambassador for Women, Queen Suthida’s participation in the championship also provides a platform to encourage greater interest in women’s ice hockey and inspire younger generations to pursue sports.
