Thai King to Make Royal State Visit to Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is poised to welcome Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a significant state visit, an event that underscores the deep-seated friendship and unique relationship shared between the two monarchies and their respective nations. This upcoming visit holds particular historical importance as it marks the first state visit by King Rama X of Thailand to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. The ties between Thailand and Bhutan are rooted in a shared Buddhist heritage and a long history of mutual respect and warm interactions at various levels. As both nations prepare for this auspicious occasion in March 2025, we bring you the details surrounding the visit, its historical context, and the potential implications for the future of their bilateral relations.

Official Confirmation and Royal Participation

Preparations for this significant state visit gained momentum following a meeting on March 14, 2025, between the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the Bhutanese Ambassador to Thailand, His Excellency Kinzang Dorji. This meeting served as a crucial step in coordinating the logistics and agenda for the upcoming visit, which is being undertaken at the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. The explicit confirmation of the participation of Their Majesties the King (Rama X) and Queen of Thailand signifies the highest level of royal representation and highlights the importance Thailand places on its relationship with Bhutan.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan emphasized that this visit will be the first state visit of King Rama X’s reign and will significantly boost diplomatic ties between the two nations while enhancing cultural exchanges. Prime Minister Paetongtarn has assured that the Thai government is fully prepared to provide comprehensive support, with agencies from both countries coordinating closely to ensure the royal visit proceeds smoothly.

A Historical Perspective

The formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Bhutan occurred on November 14, 1989. However, the narrative of friendship extends far beyond this official milestone. Even before 1989, a strong bond existed between the two kingdoms, nurtured by a shared spiritual heritage in the teachings of Lord Buddha and close interactions at various levels. It is noteworthy that Bhutan maintains formal diplomatic relations with only 54 nations, making Thailand’s position within this exclusive group particularly significant.

The cultural and religious connections form a robust pillar of the bilateral relationship. The predominantly Buddhist populations in both Thailand and Bhutan, with their deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and culture, naturally foster a sense of affinity and understanding. People-to-people interactions received a considerable boost with the introduction of air connectivity, making Thailand a popular destination for Bhutanese seeking education, medical treatment, trade, and leisure.

Over the years, numerous royal visits and exchanges have further cemented the bond between the two nations:

• In 1991, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, Rama X, visited Bhutan in his capacity as Crown Prince, demonstrating an early personal connection with the Himalayan kingdom.
• In 2006, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, then the Crown Prince of Bhutan, visited Thailand to attend the sixtieth-anniversary celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne.
• In 2016, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand visited Bhutan to strengthen cultural ties.

These consistent high-level engagements illustrate a sustained commitment to nurturing the relationship between the two royal families.

Economic Cooperation and Trade Relations

The Thailand-Bhutan Free Trade Agreement

One of the most significant developments in the economic relationship between Thailand and Bhutan is the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The fourth and concluding round of negotiations for this agreement was successfully completed in Bangkok from February 17-19, 2025. This FTA marks Thailand’s 17th trade agreement and is expected to be signed during the sixth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Thailand in April 2025, which the Bhutanese Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend.

The FTA primarily focuses on trade in goods and enhancing economic cooperation, with both countries committing to providing high-level market access covering almost the entire trade value between them. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has highlighted that the negotiations were finalized over a nine-month period, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to strengthening their economic ties.

Current Trade Dynamics

The current trade relationship between Thailand and Bhutan is characterized by a significant imbalance. In 2024, the total trade between the two countries reached 460 million baht, with Thai exports to Bhutan valued at 457 million baht, while imports from Bhutan were worth only 3.47 million baht. Key Thai exports include vehicles, ready-to-eat meals, electrical appliances, and processed fruits, while major imports from Bhutan comprise vegetables, fruit, timber products, and beverages such as mineral water and soft drinks.

Despite this imbalance, both countries see great potential in their economic relationship. The Bhutanese Ambassador has emphasized that Thailand remains a key trading partner for Bhutan and a top destination for Bhutanese seeking medical treatment, education, and tourism. The FTA is expected to address this imbalance by providing preferential market access for Bhutanese products in Thailand.

Gelephu Mindfulness City, a New Frontier for Collaboration

Another focal point of economic discussions is Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project. The Bhutanese Ambassador has expressed confidence that this new smart city has the potential to become a new economic hub for Bhutan, providing a natural link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn has expressed Thailand’s interest in investment opportunities in the GMC, particularly in areas where Thailand has expertise. The Thai government has indicated its willingness to learn more about the regulations and policies related to this project, suggesting potential future collaboration in its development.

According to earlier discussions in 2024, the GMC is envisioned as a low to mid-rise metropolis built around a series of inhabitable bridges, each housing key features such as a new international airport, a university, a hydroponic greenhouse, a cultural center, a spiritual center, a market for local goods, and a hydroelectric dam. This project represents an economic corridor connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern region, and the Thai business sector has been identified as having the potential to be a partner in its development.

Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Connections

The relationship between Thailand and Bhutan extends beyond governmental and economic ties to include strong cultural and people-to-people connections. In recent years, there has been significant growth in tourism between the two nations, with Thailand being an important destination for Bhutanese tourists. In 2023, 20,356 Bhutanese people visited Thailand, a number that is expected to increase.

To facilitate this growing exchange, Thailand has planned to allow Bhutanese people to access an electronic visa application system, making travel between the two countries more convenient. Additionally, both countries promote cooperation in the field of education, with several Thai universities, including the Prince of Songkla University and Rangsit University, hosting Bhutanese students through scholarship programs.

Cultural diplomacy is further enhanced through initiatives such as the Bhutan-Thailand Friendship Park in Thimphu, which was inaugurated on November 10, 2009, to celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the anniversary of the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This park serves as a tangible symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The Significance of the Royal Visit in Contemporary Context

The upcoming royal visit takes place against the backdrop of several significant developments in the bilateral relationship:

1. Completion of the FTA Negotiations: With the fourth round of FTA negotiations concluded in February 2025 and the agreement expected to be signed in April 2025, the royal visit provides an opportunity to celebrate this milestone in economic cooperation.
2. Bhutan’s Economic Transition: Thailand has commended Bhutan’s continued economic development as it exited the list of least developed countries in December 2023. The Thai government has expressed support for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s new vision to transform Bhutan into an economic hub for South Asia, facilitating its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2034.
3. Regional Cooperation through BIMSTEC: Both Thailand and Bhutan are members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), providing a regional framework for their bilateral relationship.
4. Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development: Both countries have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development, with Bhutan known for its carbon-negative status and emphasis on Gross National Happiness, while Thailand pursues its own sustainable development goals.

Expected Outcomes and Future Prospects

The royal visit is expected to yield several tangible outcomes and set the stage for future cooperation:

1. Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: The visit will undoubtedly strengthen the already warm diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms, potentially leading to more frequent high-level exchanges and consultations.
2. Enhanced Economic Cooperation: Beyond the FTA, the visit may catalyze new economic initiatives, particularly in sectors identified for collaboration such as tourism, agriculture, education, vocational training, and renewable energy.
3. Increased Cultural Exchange: The royal visit is likely to inspire greater cultural exchange between the two nations, possibly leading to new initiatives in arts, education, and heritage preservation.
4. Tourism Promotion: With Thailand being a key destination for Bhutanese tourists and Bhutan increasingly attracting Thai visitors interested in its unique culture and pristine environment, the royal visit may give a significant boost to tourism in both directions.
5. Collaboration on the Gelephu Mindfulness City: The visit may accelerate discussions on Thailand’s potential involvement in the development of Bhutan’s ambitious GMC project, possibly leading to concrete investment commitments or technical assistance agreements.

Conclusion

The upcoming state visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to Bhutan represents a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between these two Buddhist kingdoms. Rooted in shared cultural and spiritual heritage, the relationship has evolved to encompass a wide range of cooperation in economic, educational, and cultural spheres.

As Bhutan prepares to welcome the Thai royalty, both nations stand to benefit from the strengthened ties that will inevitably result from this historic visit. The timing of the visit, coinciding with the conclusion of FTA negotiations and Bhutan’s economic transformation initiatives, underscores its strategic importance for both countries.

The royal visit not only celebrates the past achievements in bilateral relations but also sets the stage for a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity. As the first state visit of King Rama X’s reign to Bhutan, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the shared history of these two kingdoms united by faith, culture, and a commitment to the well-being of their peoples.