Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana (born 3 June 1978), formerly Suthida Tidjai, is the queen consort of Thailand and wife of King Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X. She became queen upon their marriage on 1 May 2019, shortly before the king’s coronation. Before entering the royal family, she worked as a flight attendant and subsequently held senior positions in the king’s personal guard. (euronews.com)
Early life and education
Suthida was born in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, in southern Thailand. She graduated from Assumption University in Bangkok with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts in 2000. She subsequently worked as a flight attendant, including for Thai Airways International from 2003 to 2008, before entering royal security service. (thailand.prd.go.th)
Military and royal security service
In 2014, Vajiralongkorn, then crown prince, appointed Suthida deputy commander of his bodyguard unit. She was promoted to the rank of full general in the Royal Thai Army in December 2016. In 2017, she became deputy commander of the king’s personal guard. She also received the honorific Thanpuying, commonly rendered in English as “Lady.” (euronews.com)
Marriage and royal title
Suthida married Vajiralongkorn on 1 May 2019 at Amphorn Royal Palace in Bangkok. A royal command appointed her Queen Suthida, and the announcement appeared in the Royal Gazette. She became the king’s fourth wife. (euronews.com)
On 4 May 2019, during the king’s coronation ceremonies, she received the full royal title Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. Her appointment as queen on 1 May and the conferral of her full title on 4 May were distinct events. (euronews.com)
Public duties and observances
Suthida accompanies the king at royal engagements and participates in receiving visiting foreign leaders. Her public activities include supporting traditional Thai arts and crafts and the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly through work associated with the SUPPORT Foundation established by Queen Sirikit. She also wears and promotes Thai silk during domestic and overseas engagements. Her birthday, 3 June, is observed as a national public holiday in Thailand. (thailand.prd.go.th)
References
- Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshanathailand.prd.go.th
- Royal Well-Wishes — Mental Health Center 7mhc7.dmh.go.th
- H.M. Queen Suthida Always Stands by the Side of H.M. the King as Royal Companionthailand.prd.go.th