Thailand's Monarch and Consort Journeyed in Their Boeing Following Their Voyage to Bhutan.
Spicing Up Our Monarch's Bhutan Adventure
Guess who wrapped up their first official state visit abroad since ascending the throne on April 29? None other than Thailand's undeniable aviation enthusiast, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, accompanied by his enchanting Queen Suthida.
King Vajiralongkorn claimed the throne in 2019, leaving behind his noble past as a career officer in the Royal Thai Army. But let's not forget, this guy's not just a pretty face – he boasts licenses to fly all sorts of aircraft, including Boeings. Talk about a superhero!
Queen Suthida, who used to be a flight attendant for Thai Airways, shook things up when she joined the Crown Prince's personal security detail. Their storybook romance culminated in a public announcement during the King's coronation, making her the rightful Queen.
Now, over in Nepal, they're clamping down on inexperienced climbers trying to tackle Mount Everest.
So here's the juicy scoop from the Thai-Bhutan state visit. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida swooped in, flying their very own Boeing 737-800 to Bhutan’s Paro International Airport on April 25. The visit lasted a thrilling four days (April 25–29, 2025, to be exact) and was filled with undulating peaks of diplomatic tie-strengthening, cultural exchange, and even some personal aviation heroics by King Vajiralongkorn.
On the first day, the royal couple was warmly greeted by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema at the airport. Over the next few days, they engaged in myriad bilateral programs and cultural events that dazzled the heart: think street festivities in Thimphu bedecked with Thai-Bhutanese flags and awe-inspiring cultural presentations. Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor stressed that this trip served as a necessary bridge to deepen diplomatic ties between these two regal nations, built on shared royal family connections.
But the cherry on top? Now you know the King steered their aircraft both ways – at the arrival and departure, no less! Talk about a hands-on approach. This feather in his cap reinforced his military aviation expertise, honed from training on F-5, F-16, and Boeing 737-400 aircraft.
So there you have it – a whirlwind trip that sealed diplomatic bonds, celebrated cultural traditions, and topped it all off with a dashing dash of personal aviator flair.
[1] Time, "(https://time.com/6009682/thai-king-landing-pilot/)", retrieved 2023-03-26.[3] BBC News, "(https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56822115)", retrieved 2023-03-26.[4] CNN, "(https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/thai-king-flies-man-plane-bhutan/index.html)", retrieved 2023-03-26.[5] South China Morning Post, "(https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3110090/thailands-king-vajiralongkorn-looms-large-apex-power-country)", retrieved 2023-03-26.
- I was intrigued to learn that King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Thai monarch, piloted their private Boeing 737-800 during his visit to Bhutan, showcasing not only his passion for aviation but also his military background.
- In a departure from typical royal visits, King Vajiralongkorn's coronation attendant, Queen Suthida, was once a flight attendant for Thai Airways, lending an interesting connection to their diplomatic initiatives in Nepal.
- In contrast to Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn's dashing aviation skills, Nepal's authorities are implementing stricter security for climbers attempting Mount Everest, highlighting the differences in general-news stories from these two countries.
- A look into Nepal's politics might offer insights into their decision to heighten security for Mount Everest climbers, while the Bhutan-Thailand state visit unfolds with cultural exchange, diplomatic ties, and personal aviation feats.
