Thailand and Bhutan: royal ties that bind

Their Majesties the King and Queen will make a historic four-day royal visit to Bhutan from 25–28 April to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual well-being and developmental cooperation. The royal visit will be the first trip abroad by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida. They will be the guests of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Both countries and their monarchies have long shared warm relations, Buddhist heritage, and a shared philosophy of sufficiency and resilience. This royal trip will mark a new milestone for the two kingdoms and monarchies. It will be the first visit to Bhutan by a reigning Thai monarch.

Earlier this month, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay visited Bangkok, attended the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit, and held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The two countries signed a free trade agreement—the first such agreement for Bhutan outside South Asia. As members of BIMSTEC, they are also working together to finalize the BIMSTEC free trade agreement.

Last year, two-way trade reached US$13.3 million (460.47 million baht), with Thailand exporting automobiles, food products, and electronics. Both countries are strong supporters of regional economic cooperation.

Furthermore, Thailand expressed interest in investing in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, a sustainable economic hub. This ambitious urban development project, initiated by the Bhutanese King in December 2023, is located on Bhutan's southern border with India.

It aims to integrate Bhutanese cultural values with modern innovation. Hydropower and renewable energy are also expected to be new areas for future collaboration.

At present, two major Thai investment projects are in Paro—Hotel Haven and Six Senses Hotels Resort and Spa. Additionally, both countries agreed to promote the "Two Kingdoms, One Destination" policy to boost tourism. In 2023, a total of 20,356 Bhutanese visited Thailand—a 123.16 percent increase from the previous year. Both countries have signed a visa-waiver agreement for their citizens.

Over the years, successive Thai governments have supported Bhutan’s adaptation of the "One Tambon, One Product" (OTOP) program for local economic development. Thailand is also collaborating with Bhutan on its national Adaptation Plan, which addresses risks such as water shortages and forest fires.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the royal families of Thailand and Bhutan share a long-standing and respectful relationship. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) is well known in Bhutan.

It also aligns closely with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH), as both focus on holistic well-being and a balanced approach to development that considers environmental and spiritual values.

GNH was the vision of the Fourth Bhutanese King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He stated that GNH is more important than gross domestic product. In short, economic progress should not come at the expense of healthy day-to-day living.

It is not surprising that GNH and SEP often appear together in conversations about alternative development paradigms rooted in Buddhist values.