NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
The Clock Tower Square in Thimphu came alive with colors, music, and the delicious smell of Thai food as the Thai Festival in Bhutan was held on April 19 and 20, 2025. The event celebrated the friendship between Bhutan and Thailand through food, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.
Organized as part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, the two-day festival welcomed hundreds of visitors. Bhutanese of all ages gathered to experience a small taste of Thailand right in the heart of Thimphu.
The event featured a wide variety of attractions. Visitors enjoyed Muay Thai (Thai boxing) shows, Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Thai basil tofu, mango sticky rice, and more — all served free of cost to everyone attending. Sweet Thai desserts and herbal drinks were also distributed at no charge, bringing big smiles to the faces of both children and adults.
In addition to the food, there were creative workshops on fish weaving, umbrella painting, and Tung Sai Mu cutting, allowing people to take part in traditional Thai arts. Cultural performances were staged every hour from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and the Muay Thai shows were major highlights at noon and again at 5:30 PM each day.
People of different ages shared their excitement about the event. Sonam Choden, 14, a student from Changzamtog Middle Secondary School, said, “I had only seen Thai food and dances on YouTube. Watching the real Muay Thai fight and trying Pad Thai for the first time was amazing! And the food was free, which made it even more fun.”
Dema Wangmo, 62, a retired teacher from Taba, said, “These kinds of events help our young people understand and respect other cultures. I really enjoyed the Tom Yum soup. It’s great that everything was given for free — very generous and thoughtful.”
Karma Dorji, 35, a taxi driver who came with his family, shared, “I didn’t know much about Thai culture before this. But after watching the dances and tasting their food, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. My kids loved the umbrella painting, and we didn’t have to pay for anything. It was a wonderful gesture.”
Sangay Phuntsho, 28, a travel blogger, said, “As soon as I smelled the food, I felt like I was in Bangkok. The aroma of spices, the sizzling of noodles, and the warm smiles took me straight back to Thailand.”
Dechen Zangmo, 19, a college student, said, “It was my first time trying mango sticky rice. I never thought I’d get to experience Thai food without going abroad. I hope we have more of these events.”
Dorji Gyeltshen, 41, a local businessman, added, “This event showed us how much food and culture can connect people. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about building friendships.”
Tashi Norbu, 31, a chef from Thimphu, expressed his admiration: “The flavors were authentic and exciting. As someone who cooks for a living, I was deeply inspired. I even picked up a few ideas to try in my own kitchen.”
Choden Lhamo, 48, a housewife, shared her delight: “The mango sticky rice was something I’d never tried before. It was sweet and refreshing. The kids loved it too. It’s amazing how food can make you feel connected.”
Pema Dorji, 16, a high school student, said, “The moment I entered the square and smelled the food, I thought I had landed in Bangkok. It was like a little journey to another country without leaving home.”
The Thai food stalls were one of the busiest parts of the festival. Chefs from Thailand prepared the dishes on the spot, and Bhutanese volunteers helped serve them. From green curry to fried spring rolls, people lined up eagerly to try the freshly made meals — all offered freely as part of the cultural sharing experience.
A Thai massage booth was also set up, where visitors could experience traditional Thai massages done by trained professionals. Many people said the massage was relaxing and unique.
Meanwhile, the DIY craft workshops kept children and students busy with painting, weaving, and cutting activities. They proudly took home their own handmade crafts as souvenirs of the event.
The event not only entertained but also promoted cultural understanding between the two nations.
Kinley Zam, 23, a Bhutanese volunteer, said, “It was a beautiful experience. The visitors were so happy, and many said they couldn’t believe everything was free. I felt proud to be part of something so meaningful.”
As the festival ended on April 20, people left with full hearts, full stomachs, and handcrafted souvenirs in hand. Children waved colorful umbrellas, families shared snacks, and everyone took photos in front of Thai-themed decorations.
For two days, Clock Tower Square felt like a mini-Thailand. The Thai Festival in Bhutan proved that food, culture, and generosity can bring people together and create lasting memories.
