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Thai Queen Suthida pilots royal aircraft to Japan for ice hockey event

Thailand's Queen Suthida personally flew a royal aircraft to Japan on October 14 for a nine-day state visit. The trip includes attending the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's Asia Championship.

LSN Vietnam · 15 October 2026

Thai Queen Suthida pilots royal aircraft to Japan for ice hockey event

Queen Suthida departed Thailand as pilot-in-command of a royal aircraft, demonstrating her aviation credentials during the journey to Japan. The Queen's visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between Thailand and Japan, combining official duties with attendance at a major international sporting event.

The nine-day visit includes the Queen's participation in the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's Asia Championship, one of Asia's premier ice hockey competitions. The event provides a platform for regional sporting excellence and international cooperation in winter sports.

The Queen's personal piloting of the aircraft underscores the Thai royal family's engagement with modern aviation practices. Royal visits of this nature typically involve extensive coordination between Thai and Japanese diplomatic and security personnel.

This visit follows Thailand's continued participation in regional sports diplomacy and cultural exchange initiatives throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. The timing of the Queen's trip coincides with ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Bangkok and Tokyo across multiple sectors.