Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn personally piloted the royal aircraft to Hanoi on Monday for a state visit to Vietnam, with Queen Suthida seated beside him as co pilot. The Boeing 737 800 landed safely in the Vietnamese capital despite heavy rain, according to footage released by Thailand's foreign affairs authorities.
The flight attracted attention because the royal couple took active roles in the cockpit during their journey. It was also the first state visit to Vietnam by a Thai king and queen since Thailand and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1976.
The visit comes as Thailand and Vietnam mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries have increased high level exchanges during 2026, with discussions covering trade, investment, security, transport, science and technology.
King Takes the Captain's Seat
Video released by Thailand's government showed King Vajiralongkorn in the captain's seat during the flight, while Queen Suthida occupied the co pilot's position.
The aircraft was a Boeing 737 800 configured for royal use. It arrived safely in Hanoi as heavy rain affected conditions around the airport.
The footage offered a rare public view of the royal couple performing aviation duties during an official overseas journey. Instead of travelling simply as passengers, both took active positions inside the cockpit.
King Vajiralongkorn, 74, has a long military background and has maintained a strong connection with aviation throughout his career. He graduated from a military academy and served in the Royal Thai Armed Forces, where he received pilot training.
His aviation qualifications include the Northrop F 5, F 16 and Boeing 737 400.
In 1994, he served as an F 5E/F instructor pilot. He also personally flew a charity flight in 2012, demonstrating his continued involvement in aviation.
His military service and experience with both military and civilian aircraft enabled him to take the captain's seat for the flight to Vietnam.
Queen Suthida's Aviation Background
Queen Suthida also has experience in aviation.
Before joining Thailand's royal military service in 2010, she worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways and JALways. Her career later expanded into military aviation.
She holds qualifications to fly large passenger aircraft and continues to receive aviation training. She is currently training for solo flights in supersonic fighter aircraft.
Her presence in the cockpit during the flight to Hanoi therefore reflected her own aviation background. The royal couple both have experience in aviation, although their careers followed different paths.
The aircraft landed safely despite heavy rain in Hanoi. Footage released by Thai authorities showed the king and queen working together at the controls during the journey.
First Royal State Visit Since 1976
The journey carries wider diplomatic significance for Thailand and Vietnam.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976, and 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of those ties. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the anniversary year as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The royal visit follows several high level exchanges between Bangkok and Hanoi this year.
Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam made an official visit to Thailand in May. During the visit, the two governments discussed cooperation under the Thailand Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including security, trade, investment, transportation, science and technology.
King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida also received the Vietnamese leader and his spouse during the visit.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul subsequently made an official visit to Vietnam in June. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and economic ties, including efforts to increase trade and investment between the two countries.
The royal couple's arrival in Hanoi therefore follows a series of senior level meetings aimed at strengthening relations during the anniversary year.
Trade and Security Among Key Areas
Thailand and Vietnam have been working to expand cooperation in several areas.
During the prime minister's June visit, the two governments discussed supply chains, local economies and sustainable development. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
Trade and investment have remained important parts of the relationship. Thailand has encouraged greater Vietnamese investment in Thailand while supporting Thai companies operating in Vietnam.
The two countries have also discussed agricultural trade and improved transport links.
Security cooperation has expanded as well. During the May visit by Vietnam's leadership, Thailand and Vietnam agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and work together against transnational crime.
Their discussions included online scams and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The state visit takes place against this broader diplomatic background, giving the trip importance beyond the unusual sight of the king and queen operating the aircraft themselves.
A Royal Couple With Aviation Experience
The flight placed the aviation careers of both royals in public view.
For King Vajiralongkorn, flying has long been associated with his military career. His experience includes training on fighter aircraft and qualifications for Boeing aircraft.
Queen Suthida entered aviation through the commercial airline industry. Her work with Thai Airways and JALways came before her entry into royal military service in 2010.
She later developed qualifications that allow her to fly large passenger aircraft and has continued her military aviation training.
Her current training for solo flights in supersonic fighter aircraft represents another stage in that career.
The flight to Hanoi brought those two aviation backgrounds together inside the cockpit of the royal Boeing 737 800.
The aircraft's arrival during heavy rain added another notable detail to the journey. The government footage showed the king in command and the queen beside him as the aircraft approached Hanoi.
Visit Marks Half a Century of Diplomatic Ties
The timing of the state visit is particularly significant because Thailand and Vietnam are marking five decades of formal diplomatic relations throughout 2026.
The anniversary year has already included official visits, business discussions and meetings aimed at expanding cooperation.
Thailand and Vietnam have described their relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and have been seeking practical areas where cooperation can grow.
Prime Minister Anutin is among the Thai delegation accompanying the royal couple, adding a senior government presence to the state visit.
For Vietnam, the arrival of the Thai king and queen represents a major royal engagement at a time when both governments are seeking closer economic and strategic ties.
The most visible moment of the visit came before the diplomatic meetings began. King Vajiralongkorn took the captain's seat, Queen Suthida served as co pilot, and the royal Boeing 737 800 landed safely in Hanoi despite heavy rain.
As the state visit continues, what new areas of cooperation will Thailand and Vietnam announce as they mark 50 years of diplomatic relations?