Queen of Thailand Completes First Solo Flight in Gripen Fighter Jet in Surat Thani

Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand achieved a significant aviation milestone on Thursday by completing her first solo flight in a JAS 39 C Gripen fighter jet at Wing 7 in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani. The event, marked by royal protocol, began with Her Majesty receiving His Majesty the King at 10am, followed by a detailed pre-flight briefing. The Queen personally inspected the aircraft before piloting it down Runway 22 for takeoff

Following her successful flight, His Majesty the King honored the Queen with a bouquet and presented her with the prestigious Gripen Order Golden Patch. This accomplishment adds to Her Majesty’s impressive aviation record, which began in May 2010 when she piloted a Cessna T-41D at Wing 6 in Bangkok. Since then, she has logged 1,188.48 flying hours across various aircraft and has frequently served as co-pilot alongside the King on both domestic and international missions

The royal couple is renowned for their aviation skills, notably their joint landing at Bhutan's Paro airport—one of the world's most challenging runways—in April last year. According to Bangkok Post (Thailand), "Her Majesty has been a co-pilot for His Majesty on domestic and international flights for royal duties."

For the Koh Samui community, the Queen’s solo flight not only highlights the royal family's deep engagement with aviation but also reflects the region's connection to key national events. Visitors and residents may find inspiration in the Queen’s dedication to skill and service, reinforcing the sense of pride in Thailand’s ongoing achievements