BANGKOK: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul personally piloted his TBM 930 aircraft into Wing 1 airbase in Nakhon Ratchasima.
His arrival was part of a simulated VIP escort exercise, with three Royal Thai Air Force F-16s flying in formation with his plane.
The purpose of the visit was to review the air force's readiness, observe demonstrations, and outline five policy priorities for strengthening its capabilities.
Anutin, whose pilot call sign is "Mickey," was presented with a custom "F-16 Fighting Mickey" patch by Squadron 103.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul piloted his TBM 930 aircraft into Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday (August 14, 2026), with three Royal Thai Air Force F-16s conducting a simulated VIP escort as he approached the airbase.
Two F-16s flew alongside his aircraft, one on either side, while a third flew above it.
The exercise simulated an escort mission involving a VIP actually travelling aboard the escorted aircraft.
The aircraft piloted by Anutin is a TBM 930, which its manufacturer classifies as a single-engine turboprop rather than a jet.
Anutin, who is also interior minister and chairman of the National Security Council, arrived at Wing 1 at about 9am.
He was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force; Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, defence minister; Gen Tharapong Malakam, permanent secretary for defence; Gen Ukrit Boontanon, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces; Lt Gen Weerayuth Raksilp, commander of the 2nd Army Region; and senior Air Force officers.
After landing, Anutin reviewed a guard of honour and watched three F-16s conduct a welcoming flypast. He also observed demonstrations of air-to-ground and air-to-air operations.
Addressing personnel at Wing 1, Anutin described the base as an important tactical aviation unit and praised the Air Force’s readiness, particularly fighter operations carried out to defend Thailand’s sovereignty during security situations along the border.
“I would like to commend all commanders, personnel and officials for their sacrifice and dedication in protecting national sovereignty and giving the public confidence,” he said.
He added that improving Air Force capabilities, particularly fighter operations, was an important mission and that the government was prepared to support the service in maintaining its highest possible level of capability.
At the end of the visit, the commander of the Air Operations Control Command presented Anutin with a specially designed F-16 patch from Squadron 103.
The patch featured an image of Mickey Mouse and the words “F-16 Fighting Mickey”, referring to “Mickey”, the call sign used by Anutin while flying.
Wing 1 is home to Squadron 103 and its F-16 A/B fighters, which perform both air-combat and ground-attack missions. - The Nation/ANN
