The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) achieved a historic milestone by conducting its first official flight operation with a female pilot on board. The mission, titled “First Flight with Nanticha,” was carried out by a Royal Thai Survey Department Beechcraft King Air 350.
The crew included Major Watcharaphat Buranachai as pilot, Sub-Lieutenant Nanticha Suphachai as co-pilot, and Lieutenant Wisut Suktawee as mechanic. RTARF Chief General Songwit Noonpackdee also accompanied the mission.
General Songwit hailed the occasion as extremely memorable and special, emphasising its significance in RTARF’s quest for equality. He emphasised that this occasion demonstrated the organisation’s dedication to providing equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, or rank. He praised the entire crew for participating in a flight that represents growth and unity within the armed services.
Nanticha, 29, has a degree in architecture from Assumption University. She received flying training at the Bangkok Air Flying Academy in Sukhothai province. She and 26-year-old Sub-Lieutenant Yosanant Amasuwan are the Royal Thai Survey Department’s most recent pilots, having been appointed formally in February. Their agency is primarily responsible for conducting aerial ordnance surveys around Thailand to support both military and civilian operations.
