Thailand’s Queen Suthida Completes First Solo Flight in a Gripen
Thailand’s Queen Suthida completed her first solo flight in a Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet on October 8, 2026. King Maha Vajiralongkorn observed the training flight at the Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7 base in Surat Thani.
Suthida began her aviation career as a cabin crew member at JALways in 2000 before joining Thai Airways in 2003. She began pilot training in 2010 and subsequently gained experience on various aircraft types, including the Boeing 737-800, serving as a co-pilot on royal flights.
After completing ground school, simulator sessions and dual-control training flights as part of the Gripen training programme, Suthida made her first solo flight in the single-seat JAS 39C. Following the flight, King Vajiralongkorn presented the Queen with a special patch awarded to Gripen pilots.
