Thai Queen Suthida Pilots Plane to Japan
Thai Queen Suthida Pilots Plane to Japan
SAPPORO, October 15, 2026 — Thailand’s Queen Suthida personally piloted a royal aircraft to Japan on October 14 for a nine-day visit to attend the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Women’s Asia Championship, highlighting her growing role in promoting the sport internationally.
Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana flew the aircraft from Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, where it landed at 10:05 a.m. local time, according to Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department.
After arriving, the queen reportedly drove herself to her hotel in Sapporo, where the tournament-related events are scheduled to take place.
Her visit runs from October 14 to 22 at the invitation of the IIHF president, in recognition of her role as the federation’s first Women’s Global Ambassador. She is scheduled to present medals and trophies to athletes competing in the championship.
Queen promotes ice hockey in Thailand
Queen Suthida has actively supported the development of ice hockey in Thailand, both as an athlete and an advocate for the sport. She has previously attended ice hockey events in Thailand and Italy, according to Thai PBS.
Her participation in the international championship reflects her continued engagement with the sport and its development across the region.
Queen’s aviation skills draw attention
The Japan trip follows another aviation milestone for Queen Suthida. On October 8, she reportedly completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet in the presence of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, an experienced pilot.
The flight drew international attention, with reports describing her as the first reigning queen in the world to pilot a fighter jet.
Before marrying the king in 2019, Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways. She began flight training in 2010 and has accumulated nearly 1,190 flight hours, according to the supplied report.
She has also reportedly served frequently as the king’s co-pilot during royal trips, including a flight to Bhutan that landed at Paro International Airport, known for its challenging approach.
In September, the king and queen also flew their own aircraft to Hanoi for a state visit.
Queen Suthida’s latest trip combines her aviation experience with her public role in promoting ice hockey, as she prepares to attend the international championship in Japan.
