Thai Queen Makes Waves w/ SEA Games Gold
THAI QUEEN – In a rare blend of royalty and athleticism, the Thai queen delivered a stunning gold medal performance at the SEA Games.
Thailand’s monarchy marked another milestone in sports after Queen Suthida secured a gold medal in sailing at the Southeast Asian Games, which Thailand is hosting this month. The win was sealed on Thursday when the queen played a decisive role in leading the national team to first place in the mixed keelboat SSL47 category, a highlight event of the regional competition.
The 47-year-old queen sailed on a 47-foot vessel together with nine teammates. Serving as both tactician and helmswoman, she was instrumental in navigating the boat through the demanding conditions off the coast of Pattaya. Thailand ultimately emerged as the top finisher, followed by Malaysia in second place and Myanmar in third.
Celebrations followed the triumph on the water, with the Thai crew, clad in matching black sailing outfits, cheering aboard their boat as one sailor waved the national flag. That evening, the medal ceremony was held, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, personally awarding the medals, including the gold, to Queen Suthida. The king and queen were married in 2019.
Queen Suthida’s victory in sailing adds to a multifaceted personal background. She earned a degree in communications and previously worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways before later joining the military. Her dedication to athletics extends beyond sailing, reflecting a strong commitment to physical fitness.
Earlier this month, she showcased her endurance by completing a half-marathon in Bangkok, clocking a time of 2:13:40. She took part in the run alongside Kenyan running icon Eliud Kipchoge, highlighting her continued engagement in competitive sporting activities.
In addition to competing, Queen Suthida has taken on an important ceremonial role at the Games. She led the Thai contingent during the opening ceremony on December 9 in Bangkok, drawing significant public attention as both an athlete and a representative of the host nation.
Her gold medal also echoes a longstanding royal connection to sailing. The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, father of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also excelled in the sport when he competed at the 1967 Southeast Asian Games, held in Thailand.
READ ALSO: Content Creator Speaks Out After Viral Nip Slip During SEA Games Livestream