Royal Couple Handle Both Arrival and Departure Flights
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida made a rare and remarkable entrance into Bhutan by personally piloting their own aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, to Paro International Airport on April 25, 2025.
The King took the role of captain, with the Queen serving as co-pilot on this high-skill flight into one of the world’s most technically demanding airports.
The visit marked the monarch’s first official overseas trip since his ascension to the throne in 2019. Their arrival kicked off a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two Buddhist kingdoms.
A Notoriously Difficult Airport
Paro International Airport is known for its perilous terrain and narrow mountain approach, making it one of the toughest landing zones globally. As of last year, only 50 pilots held the credentials required to land there.
To prepare, King Vajiralongkorn reportedly underwent intensive simulator training and conducted practice landings at a military airbase in Lop Buri. A Drukair pilot was also onboard to assist during the descent.
Royal Aviation Background
The King’s piloting skills come from his military background in the Royal Thai Army, where he gained experience flying various aircraft.
Queen Suthida, once a flight attendant with JALways and Thai Airways, later joined the military and was appointed the King’s bodyguard before becoming Queen in 2019.
She shared co-pilot duties during both inbound and outbound flights.
Warm Welcome and Departure
Upon landing, the Thai royals were received by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema with full state honours.
During their stay from April 25 to 28, the Thai King and Queen participated in cultural activities celebrating the close friendship between their nations.
Their departure was as memorable as their arrival: the King once again piloted the aircraft out of Paro while the Bhutanese royals waved them off. The act of personally flying both legs of the journey was widely seen by Bhutanese citizens as a powerful gesture of goodwill and mutual respect.
Watch videos here:
@thesmartlocalth In celebration of Coronation Day 2025, the TSL Thailand team is honoured to share remarkable footage showcasing the exceptional abilities of Their Majesties the King and Queen, who personally piloted the royal aircraft during their official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 25 to 28 April 2025. His Majesty served as the primary pilot, with Her Majesty as co-pilot. . Paro International Airport is situated in a deep valley at an altitude of 2,235 metres above sea level, surrounded by towering peaks rising to 5,500 metres. It is widely regarded as one of the most challenging airports in the world for take-offs and landings. The approach demands precise navigation through narrow mountain passes, and the absence of radar assistance further complicates the landing process. . Due to these extreme conditions, only around 50 pilots worldwide are certified to land at Paro. Some reports suggest the number may be even lower, with estimates ranging from just 8 to 24 pilots globally. . #TSLTHWUT #WUT #News #ThaiRoyalFamily
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