Transport
Royal Thai Air Force Conducts Honor Flight for Retiring Commander
The Royal Thai Air Force held a ceremonial 'honor flight' for Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee, who is set to retire on September 30, 2026.
According to Khaosod Online, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) organized a special 'honor flight' at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima to mark the upcoming retirement of Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee. Known by his call sign 'Borax,' the officer serves as the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center (JIC).
The ceremony, themed 'Once Lightning, Always Lightning,' featured an F-16 fighter jet flight conducted by Squadron 103. Air Chief Marshal Rawin Thanomsing, Commander of the Air Operations Command, joined the mission to honor Prapas’s long-standing career, which included piloting T-33A, F-5, and F-16 aircraft. Prapas is scheduled to officially conclude his military service on September 30, 2026.
For residents and travelers in the Nakhon Ratchasima area, such ceremonial flights are occasional military activities that do not impact civilian air travel or public safety. These events are strictly internal military honors. While the retirement date is confirmed, further details regarding his successor or potential changes in the leadership of the JIC have not been announced. The RTAF continues its routine operations, and no disruptions to local infrastructure or public services are expected as a result of this transition.