King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) and Queen Suthida piloted their private jet this afternoon, landing at Noi Bai airport to begin a state visit to Vietnam from 14-16/9. The visit comes at the invitation of General Secretary, President To Lam and his spouse.
It is rare for a head of state to personally pilot their private jet during an overseas visit. However, this is not the first time the Thai monarch has done so.
 |
The Thai king pilots his private jet at Noi Bai airport on 14/9. *Photo: Giang Huy*
In march, King Rama X became the first Thai royal leader to visit Laos in 32 years. He also personally piloted his private jet for that visit.
A video shared on social media platforms at the time showed the Thai king and queen in the cockpit of a Boeing 737-8Z6 private jet as it approached the airport. King Maha Vajiralongkorn directly controlled the aircraft during its landing and taxi to the red carpet at the parking area.
The royal couple then descended the stairs, welcomed by host country officials.
The King and Queen of Thailand pilot their private jet during a visit to Laos in march. *Video: X/Imperial Material*
Thailand's Khaosod news outlet quoted King Rama X as saying the trip "felt like returning home, meeting old friends, and strengthening friendship in the best possible way".
In 4/2025, the Thai king and queen also piloted their private jet to Bhutan, safely landing at Paro, one of the world's most challenging airports.
 |
The King and Queen of Thailand pilot their private jet during a visit to Bhutan in 4/2025. *Photo: The Bhutanese*
King Rama X, 74 years old, ascended the throne in 2016. He previously served as a pilot in the Thai military and held important command and operational roles.
From a young age, he showed a passion for aircraft and aviation. He underwent extensive training to become a professional pilot, capable of flying various military and civilian aircraft, including F-5 and F-16 fighter jets, and Boeing 737 passenger planes.
Queen Suthida was a flight attendant for JALways and Thai Airways before joining the military in 2008.
Both the Thai king and queen hold commercial pilot licenses (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Thanh Tam (According to Khaosod English, Thai PBS World, NDTV)
