Try GOLD - Free
Milestone for Thai-Bhutanese relations
Bangkok Post
|April 26, 2025
As the vibrant hues of national flags and ornate portraits of the Thai and Bhutanese kings flutter along the expressway and streets of Thimphu, an air of excitement envelops the capital city in a historic event.
From yesterday to Monday, Bhutan receives His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on their first official state visit since His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn assumed the throne in 2016.
This visit marks not only a momentous occasion for the diplomatic relations established in 1989 but also a significant step toward strengthening the enduring bond between the two nations.
Ambassador of Thailand to Bhutan, Makawadee Sumitmor, says this royal visit is of immense significance. "This is the first state visit abroad in the current reign, making it a historical milestone for both countries. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn had previously visited Bhutan as Crown Prince in 1991, shortly after our diplomatic ties were established," she said.
The atmosphere is brimming with festivities. Days before, streets adorned with colourful flags and a series of cultural events set the stage for a warm welcome.
Thailand and Bhutan share close ties between the two royal families. Thai Ambassador Makawadee says the current state visit will make the relationship more special.
Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida are visiting Bhutan at the invitation of His Majesty The King, who enjoys considerable admiration in Thailand, particularly among everyday people, including cab drivers who affectionately refer to him as "King Jigme"
"Bhutan's King is well known and respected by the Thai people ever since he attended the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in 2006," Ambassador Makawadee said.
She explained this sentiment, stating, "His character is remarkably humble and down-to-earth, making him incredibly charismatic to the Thai people. He is a powerful and influential figure promoting Bhutan's rich culture and values."
This story is from the April 26, 2025 edition of Bangkok Post.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Tourism’s 2-speed economy
Foreign visitor spending drives growth, while most provinces struggle to benefit, writes Narumon Kasemsuk
4 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Spain to probe X, Meta, TikTok over sexual content
The Spanish government has ordered prosecutors to investigate social media platforms X, Meta and TikTok for allegedly spreading AI-generated child sexual abuse material, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said yesterday.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Court okays megaproject on Andaman Sea island
India’s environmental court has given the go-ahead to the strategically significant Great Nicobar infrastructure project despite widespread concerns of ecological damage to the island in the Andaman Sea.
1 min
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
PM refuses help for 'jihadists'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refused help for 34 Australian citizens related to suspected Islamic State jihadists, as they try to return home from a Syrian detention camp yesterday.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Thais urged to go global amid volatile markets
Global markets will remain volatile as shifting US economic policies, an evolving interest rate cycle, an uneven global recovery, and persistent geopolitical risks normalise market swings, warns Maybank Securities (Thailand).
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
KKP plans to expand EV loan portfolio
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank, a subsidiary of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), wants to grow its electric vehicle (EV) loan portfolio this year, following strong adoption of EVs in the Thai market.
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Critical thinking skills under AI pressure
In January, I had some rather interesting conversations, specifically about thinking and learning.
4 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Moscow, Kyiv to hold fresh negotiations
Russian and Ukrainian delegations were set for another round of talks in Geneva yesterday as part of the latest fraught push by the United States to end the four-year war.
2 mins
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Green Bridge revamp gets nod
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is pressing ahead with plans to transform the Green Bridge, a 1.6-kilometre elevated walkway and cycling path linking Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park, into a modern urban green corridor.
1 min
February 18, 2026
Bangkok Post
Call for new stimulus for EV sales
Thailand’s automotive industry is urging the government to introduce new, non-monetary measures to stimulate demand for electric vehicles (EVs), including battery EVs (BEVs) and plugin hybrid EVs (PHEVs).
1 mins
February 18, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size