Thailand’s Queen Suthida draws attention for piloting aircraft to Japan and driving herself to hotel
Thailand’s Queen Suthida has drawn attention on social media after piloting a royal aircraft to Japan and driving herself to her hotel in Sapporo, where she is visiting to attend the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s Asian Ice Hockey Championship.
JAPAN: Thailand’s Queen Suthida has attracted attention on social media after piloting a royal aircraft to Japan and driving herself to her hotel in Sapporo, where she is scheduled to attend an international women’s ice hockey championship.
According to Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department, Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana arrived in Japan on 14 October 2026 at the invitation of the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
The visit, scheduled to run until 22 October, is connected to the 2027 IIHF Women’s Asian Ice Hockey Championship, which is being held at Tsukisamu Ice Arena in Sapporo from 15 to 18 October.
The Queen is expected to present medals and trophies to the competing athletes, highlighting her role in promoting women’s ice hockey and supporting the sport’s development in Thailand and across Asia.
However, footage of her journey to Japan has also attracted attention for reasons beyond the sporting event.
Queen pilots aircraft and drives herself to hotel
The Government Public Relations Department reported that Queen Suthida piloted the royal aircraft herself from Don Mueang Military Airport in Bangkok to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
After landing, she drove herself to her hotel in Sapporo.
Clips showing her piloting the aircraft and subsequently driving herself circulated on social media, prompting comments about her flying ability, independence and the demands of completing a long journey before attending official engagements.
Her visit is scheduled to conclude on 22 October, when she is expected to return to Don Mueang Military Airport at 5pm local time.
Social media users praise her independence and skills
Many commenters praised Queen Suthida’s ability to pilot the aircraft and drive herself, describing her actions as impressive and a demonstration of independence.
Another expressed admiration for her decision to handle the journey herself.
A further comment praised the combination of flying and driving, comparing the Queen’s actions with an ordinary day.
Some commenters also viewed her actions as a way to reduce the need for additional personnel during official travel.
Some marvel at her stamina during official travel
Other commenters focused on the physical demands of travelling internationally, piloting an aircraft, driving to a hotel and preparing for official engagements.
One person compared the Queen’s schedule with their own experience of travelling, describing how even a relatively short car journey after a flight could leave them uncomfortable.
Other reactions went beyond her practical skills to praise her personal background and public image.
Queen’s role in promoting women’s ice hockey
Queen Suthida’s visit also reflects her established role in promoting women’s ice hockey internationally.
According to Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department, the IIHF invited her to become its first Global Ambassador for Women’s Ice Hockey in 2023, recognising her support for and personal participation in the sport.
Her involvement has helped bring attention to women’s ice hockey in Thailand and the wider Asian region.
Earlier in 2026, she attended the medal matches at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.
Her appearance at the Women’s Asian Ice Hockey Championship in Sapporo continues that involvement, with her scheduled presentation of medals and trophies to athletes competing in the tournament.
