Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was awarded the prestigious "Flying Wings" badge by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in recognition of his significant contributions to aviation, just before his departure for an official visit to Laos.
According to Thai News Agency, the award ceremony took place at 7:15 a.m., with Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, presiding over the event. Prime Minister Anutin, who serves as both the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was honored with the Honorary Flying Skill Badge, also known as the "Wings of the Sky." This accolade is given to individuals holding key governmental positions or those who have made noteworthy contributions to the aviation sector and national interests.
The ceremony was attended by high-profile officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Energy Minister Atthaphon Rerkpiboon, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Interior Songsak Thongsri, and Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul.
The honorary flying skill badge is presented by the RTAF to those who have significantly supported the success of its missions. Prime Minister Anutin has been a key supporter of the "Heart with Wings" aviation program since 2014, completing over 80 "Flight of Merit, Flight of Life" missions and rescuing more than 200 patients. His efforts have earned him honorary wings from the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEM) and a plaque of honor from the Thai Red Cross Society as of September 30, 2025.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Anutin and his delegation proceeded to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) for their official visit.