Thailand's King witnesses Queen's first solo flight in a Gripen jet
The Queen trained at Wing 7 in Surat Thani before flying a single-seat JAS 39C, with the King presenting flowers and a Gripen Order Golden Patch afterwards.
- Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand successfully completed her first solo training flight in a single-seat JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet.
- His Majesty the King was present at Wing 7 in Surat Thani to witness the entire event, from pre-flight checks to landing.
- Following the flight, the King congratulated the Queen with flowers and awarded her the Gripen Order Golden Patch, an honor for those who have flown the aircraft.
- The Queen is an experienced pilot with over 1,188 flight hours and underwent rigorous, specialized training to Royal Thai Air Force standards for the solo mission.
His Majesty the King made a private visit to Wing 7 in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani, at 10.06am on Thursday (October 8, 2026) to watch Her Majesty the Queen's first solo training flight in a Gripen fighter aircraft, designated Type 20.
The Queen welcomed the King alongside ACM Seksan Kantha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Gp Capt Pasin Sombattawee, commander of Wing 7, and senior officials.
Their Majesties then proceeded to the building used for royal work at Wing 7 to receive a briefing on the Queen's flight plan.
Afterwards, the King went to the aircraft shelter to watch the Queen conduct pre-flight checks on the single-seat JAS 39C Gripen.
She then taxied the aircraft to runway 22 for take-off.
The King watched the Gripen take off and land in accordance with the Queen's solo training plan.
After completing the flight, the Queen stepped out of the aircraft, and the King presented her with a bouquet of flowers in congratulations and encouragement.
He also presented the Queen with the Gripen Order Golden Patch and affixed the badge.
The honorary gold-embroidered patch is awarded to those who have flown the JAS 39 Gripen.
The visit concluded with the return flight to Bangkok aboard the royal aircraft.
The Queen's aviation skills have long been recognised in Thailand and abroad.
She first flew on Sunday (May 13, 1990) in a T-41D aircraft with Squadron 604 at Wing 6.
Her flying hours on various aircraft are:
- Cessna T-41: 315.33 hours
- CT-4E Airtrainer: 38.35 hours
- Pilatus PC-9: 105.59 hours
- Mooney M20M: 98.40 hours
- Piper PA-34 Seneca: 137.50 hours
She has also flown Boeing 737 aircraft, recording 27.09 hours in the Boeing 737-400 and 453.11 hours in the Boeing 737-800.
Before her solo flight in the JAS 39C Gripen, she had flown 10.13 hours in the two-seat JAS 39D Gripen.
Her total flying time across all aircraft types stands at 1,188.48 hours.
The Queen has served as co-pilot alongside the King on royal flights for official duties in Thailand and overseas.
Their flying skills were seen by audiences around the world during their official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan, when the King piloted the royal aircraft with the Queen as co-pilot.
Together, they safely and gracefully handled take-off and landing at Paro International Airport, regarded as the world's most difficult airport for such operations.
To prepare for her solo flight, the Queen underwent rigorous training to Royal Thai Air Force standards.
She made two private stays in Surat Thani, from August 20 to September 4, and from September 25 to October 8.
During these visits, she trained on a Gripen flight simulator, following the air force's standard procedures to progress towards solo flight.
Experts closely supervised her and provided guidance throughout the training at Wing 7 in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani, a fighter wing directly under the Royal Thai Air Force.
The Queen completed Thursday's solo flight in the JAS 39C Gripen flawlessly as the King looked on, demonstrating the strength and grace of “a woman of strength and capability”.
Her aviation skills have impressed the Thai people and inspired their confidence, and she remains a cherished figure for the nation alongside the King, Head of the Thai Armed Forces.
