Thailand’s King and Queen Are Real Pilots: Here’s What They Fly.

Most world leaders put their lives in the hands of a pilot they barely know. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida don’t just travel as passengers. On some state visits, they have flown the plane themselves. Because they are both trained and licensed pilots. 

On 25 April 2025, King Maha Vajiralongkorn took the captain’s seat of a Boeing 737-800. Queen Suthida sat beside him as first officer. Their destination was Paro Airport in Bhutan, one of the toughest landings in the world. 

Let’s look at the full story.

Why Paro is the real test

Paro sits in a deep Himalayan valley, about 2,200 metres above sea level. Mountains rise on both sides. Pilots must fly a tight, curved approach and line up with the runway late. Only a small group of pilots in the world are cleared to land there.

The Thai royal flight was also the king’s first official overseas state visit since he took the throne in 2019. So the stakes were high. A pilot from Bhutan’s airline, Drukair, was in the cockpit to support the crew. Thailand’s ambassador to Bhutan said the king prepared carefully for the trip.

The king landed safely. He also flew the plane back home on 28 April.

What “pilot license” really means here

People often hear “pilot license” and think of one card that lets you fly anything. It does not work like that.

Think of a driver’s license. A car license does not let you drive a bus. A pilot needs extra approval for each large aircraft type. That approval is called a type rating.

The king and queen hold a type rating for the Boeing 737-300 to 737-900 range. They also hold two other key approvals:

• Instrument Rating: lets a pilot fly using cockpit instruments when clouds or darkness block the view.
• Performance-Based Navigation (PBN): approval to fly precise, satellite-guided routes.

These approvals expire unless the pilot keeps proving their skills. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand confirmed on 9 September 2026 that both passed their renewal checks.

Here is the part most blogs miss. Five days later, on 14 September, the royal couple flew their own Boeing 737 to Hanoi for a state visit. So the Bhutan flight was not a one-time event. They fly, they train and they keep their papers current.

The king: a pilot first, a monarch second

King Vajiralongkorn trained as a military pilot long before he took the throne. Reports say he has flown jets such as the F-5 and F-16, along with the Boeing 737. One profile calls him the first king of the Chakri dynasty to become a certified fighter pilot, flight instructor and commercial airline pilot.

That background matters. Flying a modern jet is not a skill you pick up in a few weekends. It needs years of hours, checks and discipline.

The queen: from the cabin to the cockpit

Queen Suthida’s story may be even more striking.

She started her career as a flight attendant, first with JALways and then with Thai Airways. Later, she went through flight training with the Royal Thai Air Force and Royal Thai Army. According to her official biography, she trained on small planes first, then moved up to more advanced trainers. She then earned a commercial pilot licence and a Boeing 737 type rating.

Today she flies as first officer on the royal Boeing 737s.

Then came 8 October 2026. She flew a Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet solo from an airbase in Surat Thani. Before that flight, she prepared with simulator sessions, emergency drills and training in a two-seat Gripen. Reports say she has about 1,190 flying hours. The king greeted her with flowers after she landed.

Few people go from serving drinks on a passenger plane to flying a fighter jet alone. That is why her path gets so much attention.

Why would a king and queen fly the plane themselves?

The royal household has not given one official reason, so it is best not to guess about private motives. But there are a few clear points.

It is a real passion. The king has loved flying for decades. For him it is closer to a lifelong craft than a photo opportunity.

It sends a strong message. When a head of state lands a plane in Paro by hand, the host country notices. It is a personal gesture that words cannot match. This is my reading, not an official statement.

It is rare, but not unique. The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, is also a qualified pilot. Still, very few heads of state do this.

One more fact. The royals have flown on several state visits, including Bhutan and Vietnam. But there is no sign that they fly on every single trip.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the current king of Thailand?

The current king is Maha Vajiralongkorn. He is also known as Rama X.

Who is the queen of Thailand?

The current queen is Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

Does the king of Thailand fly the plane himself?

Yes, on some trips. In April 2025, he flew the royal plane to Bhutan and back.

Is Queen Suthida a pilot?

Yes. She holds a Commercial Pilot License. She has served as co-pilot on Boeing 737 flights. In October 2026, she also flew a Gripen fighter jet solo.

Do they fly the plane on every foreign trip?

No. They have flown on certain state and royal visits. There is no information that they fly on every trip.

Final thoughts

Many royal families around the world have members who trained as pilots. But a king and queen flying together in the same cockpit on a state visit is rare.

The Paro Airport flight shows it best. The king was the captain. The queen was the co-pilot. Two pilots, one plane, one royal story.

Stories like this make you want to travel too. If Thailand is on your list, read our guide on the Thailand tourist visa process for Bangladeshis before you pack your bags.

Ready for your own flight to Thailand? 
Book your flights and hotels with Nakamura Tour. Find handpicked deals and travel perks for your next trip, all in one place. Book now with Nakamura Tour.