Making history: Pattani native becomes first woman to apply for job as air force pilot

A Pattani native became the first woman to apply for a job as a pilot in the Royal Thai Air Force after the organization started recruiting female pilots for the first time in its history yesterday.

Suwattana Chanthalert, 23, whose father was killed in violence linked to the insurgency in her hometown, said she has always dreamed of becoming a pilot.

She said that women are just as qualified for the job as men, Morning News reported.

Suwattana said she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Rangsit University before starting her training at the Bangkok Aviation Center.

The Royal Thai Air Force is looking to recruit only five female pilots this year and the application process will end Sunday.

Applicants will undergo a written test and physical fitness test. Those selected will start a one-year training course before starting work.

From 2003 – 2016, there are only 92 women with commercial pilot’s licenses compared to about 5,000 male commercial pilots, according to Thai PBS.

 


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