The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to mark its 88th anniversary with a spectacular international airshow on Mar. 7-8, 2025, at Wing 6 in Don Mueang, Bangkok. Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to breathtaking aerial displays featuring teams from around the world, including the August 1st Aerobatic Team from China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team from the Indian Air Force, and the U.S. Air Force’s cutting-edge F-35A demonstration team. The RTAF will also showcase its own aerial prowess by bringing the Saab JAS 39 fighter of the Shark Gripen Demonstraion Team from Wing 7, Surat Thani, performing flying demonstrations that highlight the capabilities of this advanced Swedish-made combat aircraft.
Behind the scenes of this meticulously choreographed aerial spectacle stands one crucial figure: the airshow’s “air boss.” Responsible for orchestrating every aircraft movement, ensuring precise timing, and maintaining stringent safety protocols, the air boss serves as the conductor of this high-stakes aerial symphony. For this prestigious 88th anniversary celebration, the RTAF has appointed one of its most experienced aviators to this critical role: Air Vice Marshal Rawin “Hollywood” Thanomsingha.
Air Vice Marshal Rawin “Hollywood” Thanomsingha is not your average officer. With an impressive 3,200 hours logged in the cockpit of an F-16, Hollywood brings a wealth of experience to his crucial role as air boss at air show anniversaries in Thailand. For about a decade as air boss with the RTAF, Hollywood has orchestrated the complex aerial ballet of aircraft, ensuring that each performance balances breathtaking displays with stringent safety measures.
The 88th anniversary airshow marks a significant reunion for Hollywood and China’s August 1st Aerobatic Team. Their paths first crossed in November 2015 during the inaugural “Falcon Strike 2015” joint training exercise between the air forces of China and Thailand at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base. During that historic event, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, Hollywood served as a demonstration pilot, flying the distinctive “Centennial Falcon” F-16 that featured a special paint scheme commemorating the 100th anniversary of military aviation in Thailand. While China brought the August 1st team to Korat airbase for a flying demonstration. Now, a decade later, both sides cross paths again during another milestone year—the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties—adding a layer of historical significance to the aerial displays.
As air boss, Hollywood’s responsibilities are all-encompassing: He conducts, controls, and safeguards everything that happens in the air. This involves a multifaceted approach that demands constant vigilance and quick decision-making. He is essentially responsible for the safety of both the pilots and the spectators.
One of the primary challenges Hollywood faces is making real-time decisions, especially concerning unpredictable elements such as the weather and other potential contingencies. He must constantly assess the environment and be prepared to adapt the air show’s program to ensure everyone’s safety.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of Hollywood’s job is balancing the entertainment value of the air show with the paramount need for safety. When asked about this delicate balance, Hollywood acknowledged the difficulty: “Very hard”. It requires making tough calls about when to allow pilots to execute daring maneuvers and when to ask them to hold back.
Central to Hollywood’s approach is the trust he places in those experienced pilots flying at airshow. He respects their judgment and understands that they are best positioned to assess their capabilities in real-time. As Hollywood puts it, “First of all, trust him. Trust the pilot”. If a pilot expresses hesitation or concern about performing a particular maneuver, Hollywood will always defer to their decision.
Effective communication is also essential. Hollywood maintains constant radio contact with the pilots, providing guidance and relaying critical information. To overcome language barriers, especially with pilots from different countries, team leaders from the foreign aerobatic teams are by his side to facilitate clear and accurate communication. These team leaders stay with him to assist with communication.
Emergency planning is another cornerstone of Thanomsingha’s role. He and his dedicated safety team develop multiple safety plans to address various potential emergencies. These plans are meticulously crafted to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any unforeseen events.
Hollywood’s extensive background as a display pilot has proven invaluable in his role as air boss. His first-hand experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and risks involved in aerial displays. According to Hollywood, his experience was a key factor in the Royal Thai Air Force’s decision to appoint him as air boss. He also disclosed that the planning for the 88th anniversary air show took three months.
Outside of his air boss duties, Hollywood serves as chief of staff at Air Combat Command. While he doesn’t fly as frequently as he once did, he still gets to pilot the F-16 occasionally.
As the dates for the RTAF’s anniversary airshow approach, Hollywood continues his meticulous preparation for what promises to be a historic event. The reunion with China’s August 1st team during the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations adds special significance to his role. While Hollywood may occasionally miss the thrill of piloting the F-16, his current position allows him to share his passion for aviation with thousands of spectators in the safest possible manner. For Air Vice Marshal Thanomsingha, that combination of public service, international cooperation, and aviation excellence makes the challenging role of air boss the perfect next chapter in his distinguished career.