From Palace to Podium: Thai Queen Shocks SEA Games w/ Sailing Victory
THAI QUEEN – Few expected royalty to take the helm, but Thailand’s queen proved she could rule the waves as well as the throne.
Thailand’s royal family added another chapter to its sporting legacy after Queen Suthida captured a gold medal in sailing during the Southeast Asian Games currently being hosted by the country. The achievement came on Thursday as the queen helped steer the Thai team to victory in the mixed keelboat SSL47 event, one of the marquee sailing competitions in the regional meet.
Queen Suthida, 47, competed aboard a 47-foot sailboat alongside nine other crew members. Taking on the crucial roles of tactician and helmswoman, she played a key part in guiding the team through the challenging waters off Pattaya. Their strong performance allowed Thailand to finish ahead of Malaysia, which claimed silver, and Myanmar, which settled for bronze.
The victory was celebrated both on and off the water. Shortly after securing the top spot, the Thai crew, dressed in coordinated black sailing gear, erupted in cheers aboard their vessel. One member proudly waved the Thai national flag as the team marked the historic win. Later in the evening, the medals were formally awarded by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, who personally presented the gold medal to Queen Suthida. The royal couple were married in 2019.
Beyond her success in sailing, Queen Suthida’s background reflects a diverse and accomplished path. She holds a degree in communications and previously worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways before transitioning into a career in the military. Her athletic pursuits extend beyond the sea, highlighting her commitment to sports and fitness.
Earlier this month, the queen demonstrated her endurance by completing a half-marathon in Bangkok with a time of 2:13:40. She ran alongside world-renowned Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge, underscoring her active involvement in high-level sporting events.
Queen Suthida has also played a prominent ceremonial role in the Games, leading the Thai delegation during the opening ceremony held on December 9 in Bangkok. Her participation as both a competitor and representative of the host nation has drawn widespread attention.
The queen’s gold medal continues a royal tradition in sailing. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late father of King Vajiralongkorn, also achieved success in the sport when he competed in the fourth edition of the Southeast Asian Games, hosted by Thailand in 1967.