Suthida

Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana (Thai: สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสุทิดา พัชรสุธาพิมลลักษณ พระบรมราชินี, RTGS: Suthida Phatcharasuthaphimonlak,

pronounced [sùʔ.tʰíʔ.dāː pʰát.tɕʰa.ráʔ.sùʔ.tʰāː.pʰíʔ.mōn.lák] ), born Suthida Tidjai (Thai: สุทิดา ติดใจ; 3 June 1978), is Queen of Thailand as the fourth wife of King Vajiralongkorn. Before their marriage, she was a flight attendant. After joining the Thai military, she was promoted to King's bodyguard.

Early life and education

Suthida was born on 3 June 1978 to the Tidjai family, Kham (father) and Jangheang (mother). She is ethnically Hokkien, coming from a Thai Chinese family. She graduated from Hatyaiwittayalai Somboonkulkanya Middle School and Assumption University with a bachelor's degree in communication arts in 2000. Suthida was formerly a flight attendant for JALways – a Japan Airlines' subsidiary – from 2000 to 2003 and later Thai Airways International in 2003 until 2008.

Military service

Suthida was appointed commander of Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn's household guard, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in August 2014. In October 2016, international media reports labeled her as the designated king's "consort", despite the palace never officially declaring their relationship.

On 1 December 2016, she was appointed Commander of the Special Operations Unit of the Royal Security Command and promoted to the rank of general. She reached her present rank after only six years of service. She has successfully completed several military training courses.

On 1 June 2017, she was appointed as acting commander of Royal Thai Aide-de-camp Department following the reorganization of the Royal Security Command.

On 13 October 2017, she was named a Dame Grand Cross (First Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, which bestows the title Than Phu Ying (Thai: ท่านผู้หญิง). She is the first female officer to receive this honour since 2004 and the first in the reign of King Rama X.

Queen consort

On 1 May 2019, Suthida was made Queen of Thailand by King Vajiralongkorn whose coronation took place in Bangkok on 4–6 May 2019. The marriage registration took place at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok, with her sister-in-law The Princess Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and President of Privy Council Prem Tinsulanonda as witnesses.

On 10 May 2024, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at Phra Meru Grounds (Sanam Luang) in Bangkok. They were accompanied with the others members of the royal family.