Queen Suthida completes first solo flight in Gripen fighter jet

Today 15:19 Key points summarised by AI

Queen Suthida successfully completed her inaugural solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet at Wing 7 of the Royal Thai Air Force in Surat Thani.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched the flight and honored her achievement with a bouquet and a gold “Gripen Order” patch, an insignia for pilots of the aircraft.
The historic flight followed extensive training, including simulator practice and accumulating over 10 flight hours in a two-seat Gripen, contributing to her total of 1,188 flight hours across various aircraft types.

Flood situation improving nationwide, says PM

Today 15:08 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a nationwide improvement in the flood situation, with accelerated drainage efforts in provinces like Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao, although parts of Bangkok remain heavily flooded.
The government is actively working to speed up the drainage process, despite initial estimates suggesting it could take a month for floodwaters to fully recede in some areas such as Prachin Buri's Ban Sang district.
The Royal Irrigation Department is managing water levels by gradually reducing the discharge rate from Chao Phraya Dam and limiting releases from the over-capacity Pasak Jolasid Reservoir to ease pressure on downstream communities.
Despite the current improvements, the Meteorological Department forecasts further rain and isolated heavy downpours in Thailand's Northeast, East, and South regions from today through Monday.