Swedish-made Jas 39C Gripen fighter jet crashed during a Children's Day air show in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, on Saturday, Bangkok Post reported.
The crash occurred on a runway at Wing 56 during the air show at around 9.27am while performing a surprise attack manoeuvre.
Hat Yai airport had to close to clear the runway. Commercial flights were diverted to Krabi airport while outbound flights were delayed. Authorities expect to be able to reopen the airport before noon.
Air Force spokesman Pongsak Semachai said a committee would be set up to investigate into the cause.