NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
At the invitation of His Majesty the King, Their Majesties Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand will make a State Visit to Bhutan from 25 – 28 April. This momentous occasion marks the first time a reigning Thai monarch will visit Bhutan and also represents King Vajiralongkorn’s first official State Visit abroad since his ascension to the throne in 2016.
The visit accentuates the enduring diplomatic and cultural ties between the two kingdoms, which have flourished since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1989.
Nonetheless, it also carries personal significance for King Vajiralongkorn, who previously visited Bhutan in 1991 as the Crown Prince. The upcoming State Visit not only strengthens diplomatic bonds but also deepens the personal connection between the royal families.
During their stay, Their Majesties will engage in a series of activities aimed at further enhancing bilateral relations. They are scheduled to meet with His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The royal couple will also visit significant spiritual and cultural sites and take part in events designed to celebrate the friendship between Bhutan and Thailand.
In anticipation of the visit, several cultural events are planned in Thimphu. These include a friendly football match between the national teams of the two countries, a Thai festival showcasing Thai food and crafts, traditional Muay Thai demonstrations, a Thai film screening, and joint cultural performances by Bhutanese and Thai artists. Additionally, senior monks from both nations will offer special prayers at Kuenselphodrang for the long life of the monarchs and the continued peace and prosperity of the two kingdoms.
The royal visit has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from citizens in both Bhutan and Thailand.
Sonam Deki, a schoolteacher in Thimphu, expressed her admiration for the significance of the moment. “It’s not just a royal visit—it’s a celebration of the shared culture and history between our two countries,” she said. “As a teacher, I’m excited to use this opportunity to educate my students about our diplomatic history and cultural connections with Thailand.”
Dorji Gyeltshen, a tour operator based in Paro, said the visit could bring lasting benefits to Bhutan’s tourism sector. “Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Bhutanese travelers, and we’ve also seen increasing interest from Thai tourists. This visit will strengthen that exchange,” he noted.
Tshethrim Singye, a recent high school graduate, said the visit highlights the value of Bhutan’s foreign relations. “For youth like me, it is inspiring to see how Bhutan maintains warm, respectful ties with countries like Thailand. It’s a reminder that even small nations can form strong alliances through shared values and vision.”
Tashi Wangmo, a Bhutanese teacher who has been living and working in Thailand for the past two years, shared her perspective from abroad. “I’ve experienced firsthand how deeply Thai people respect Bhutanese culture and His Majesty the King, and how they treat our King as a celebrity. This visit will mean a lot to Bhutanese like me who have lived in Thailand—it brings our two homes even closer,” she said. “It’s also an emotional moment to see the Thai King’s first overseas visit be to Bhutan. It shows the depth of our relationship.”
Tang Ratnabhanu from Bangkok, Thailand, who once mentored Bhutanese students at Arsom Slip Institute of Arts, said, “I have many friends in Bhutan. I’ve worked with them and dreamed of visiting Bhutan soon—which I will do shortly. I love the King of Bhutan and admire how much he has done for his country, just like our King has done for us.”
Kampanat Tongchai, a youth from Thailand, expressed his excitement about the royal visit and his fond memories of Bhutan. “I’m really happy to hear about the visit,” he said. “I came to Bhutan in 2019 and was touched by the kindness and warmth of the people. I made some very good Bhutanese friends, and we still keep in touch. Visiting Bhutan changed the way I see the world—it’s such a peaceful, beautiful country with a deep spiritual culture. I hope to return soon. This royal visit will bring our countries even closer, and I think more young people in Thailand will start to appreciate Bhutan the way I do.”
The royal visit is expected to further enhance cooperation between Bhutan and Thailand across multiple sectors. In June 2024, the two countries signed several memoranda of understanding aimed at deepening collaboration in tourism, education, and renewable energy. These agreements are set to boost tourism, promote academic exchange, and facilitate knowledge sharing in key areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and green technology.
Moreover, discussions are already underway to explore broader economic partnerships. Thailand has expressed interest in expanding trade with Bhutan, while Bhutan sees Thailand as a valuable ally in areas such as sustainable development and public health.
