Thai Air Force Honors Retiring Fighter Pilot With F-16 Farewell Flight

The Royal Thai Air Force held a ceremonial flight titled "Once Lightning, Always Lightning" to honor Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonchai Di, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Intelligence Centre (JIC), before his retirement on September 30, 2025. Air Chief Marshal Rawin Thonsomsing, Commander of the Air Operations Control Command, travelled to Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima to participate in the tribute flight with Squadron 103, which gave a warm welcome.

Known by his call sign "Borax," Air Vice Marshal Praphas is a graduate of the 26th Thai Military Preparatory School and 33rd Naval Aviation Officers course. He has completed numerous military courses including the Royal Thai Air Force test pilot programme, the 45th Air Force Staff course, the United States Air Force Staff course in 2003, and the 45th Air War College course.

Pilot Borax's fighter career began with Squadron 561 at Wing 56 in Songkhla, where he trained as a T-33A fighter pilot. He was then posted to Squadron 231 at Wing 23 in Udon Thani as an F-5A/B fighter pilot protecting northeastern airspace. He was later selected to fly the F-5E/F "Shark Nose" with Squadron 403 at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan, before advancing to the F-16A/B with Squadron 103 at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

After the ceremonial flight, Air Vice Marshal Praphas reflected that returning to fly with Squadron 103 was more than just a tribute—it was a return to the foundations of his air force service and a reminder of the memories, bonds, and meaning of being a fighter pilot. He commended all personnel who contributed to the mission's success, emphasizing that no aircraft can fly with only a pilot; every flight results from teamwork across the entire system.

Before retiring, he shared three core principles with the personnel: First, maintain "standards" because in aviation no detail is too small to overlook. Second, uphold "teamwork" by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and ensuring no one faces challenges alone. Third, preserve "the heart of the air force," rooted in sacrifice, courage, and readiness to serve the nation.

Air Vice Marshal Praphas concluded with a reflection on true strength: "Real strength does not lie in who is the best, but in how well we can coordinate everyone's abilities and perform our duties together as one team." This ceremonial flight was not an ending but a milestone reflecting the pride, bonds, and enduring spirit of the Lightning family.