Suthida

Suthida Bajrasudha Bimalalakshana (born Suthida Tidjai; 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 Royal Thai Armed Forces, 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). Her nickname is Nui (นุ้ย).

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 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 by the other members of the royal family.

Personal life

Queen Suthida has participated in Ice hockey events in Thailand and has supported the sport.

Title, styles, honours and awards

• Since 4 May 2019: Her Majesty The Queen Suthida Bajrasudha Bimalalaksana (สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสุทิดา พัชรสุธาพิมลลักษณ พระบรมราชินี; RTGS:Somdet Phra Nang Chao Suthida Patcharasuda Phimonlak Phra Borroma Rachini)

Honours

National

• Dame of The Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri
• Dame of The Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems
• Dame Grand Cross (First Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao (13 October 2017)
• Dame Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
• Dame Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• Royal Cypher Medal of King Rama IX
• Royal Cypher Medal of King Rama X
• King Vajiralongkorn's Court Medal

Foreign

• Dame Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (France)

Military ranks

• 14 May 2010: Second Lieutenant
• 14 November 2010: First Lieutenant
• 1 April 2011: Captain
• 1 October 2011: Major
• 1 April 2012: Lieutenant Colonel
• 1 October 2012: Colonel
• 10 November 2013: Major-General
• 26 August 2016: Lieutenant-General
• 10 December 2016: General
• 6 March 2025: Admiral
• 6 March 2025: Air Chief Marshal

Notes