Bhutan's HM King Jigme reflects on Bhutan–Thailand bond in honorary doctorate speech

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan honored the deep-rooted friendship between Bhutan and Thailand, united by faith, compassion, and a shared vision for the happiness of their people, in his speech on the occasion of the conferral of an honorary doctorate by Chulalongkorn University on December 22.

Full Speech of Bhutan’s HM the King

On student days and Thai food

When I was a young student, first in America and then in England, I was like many students: far from home, often homesick. And when you are Bhutanese and homesick, this has a particular flavor.

You see, there were no Bhutanese restaurants—none. Not in Boston, not in London, not anywhere… And then I discovered Thai food. The spice, the rice, the warmth—it was not Bhutanese, but it was close. It was my comfort food.

Every Thai restaurant I walked into felt like a small piece of home. I cannot tell you how many green curries saved me during those years. Thailand fed me, quite literally, when I was far from everything I knew.

Royal reflections: On Thailand, compassion, and strength

The Paradox of the Thai character

During my student days, we were each asked to give a short presentation about our country. When my Thai classmate stood up… she spoke of how the Buddha’s teachings shaped the Thai character, making Thais sincere, humble, generous, and compassionate… And then she said, ‘But our national sport is Muay Thai kickboxing.

The room went quiet. She smiled and asked, ‘What does this mean?’ Then she answered her own question: ‘It means that we are compassionate, but we are not weak.

We are peaceful, but we are not passive. If Thailand is threatened, we will fight. We will come together, brave, selfless, and determined to protect our nation and our way of life.’ I’ve never forgotten those words. That beautiful paradox—Buddhist compassion and warrior spirit—defines Thailand.

On Their Majesties King Rama X and the Queen

“His Majesty carries a weight that few can understand—to follow one of the most beloved monarchs in the world while charting his own path of service.”

This is not easy. It requires strength, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the welfare of one’s people. I believe His Majesty has shown all of these.

I have watched His Majesty closely: the dignity with which he serves, his dedication to education, healthcare, and development… I see that in Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, standing firmly beside His Majesty, serving him, and through him, her nation and her people.

The Legacy of two great teachers

When I became King, I was fortunate to have two extraordinary men to guide me. First is His Majesty, my father. He is the greatest teacher I have known—a man who taught me that a King’s only purpose is to serve his people… He voluntarily handed power to a democratic constitution… because he loved his people enough to trust them with their own future.

The second is His Majesty Rama IX. I did not merely meet His Majesty King Rama IX; I had the privilege of observing him—his work, his manner, his dedication. He was called the ‘Development King,’ and that title was earned. He walked rice paddies, he visited remote villages… not as a distant monarch, but as someone who genuinely wanted to understand their problems and solve them.

The Bond with the Thai people

“In 2006, I visited Thailand for King Rama IX’s 60th anniversary on the throne… The Thai people saw me, and they did something extraordinary that touched me deeply. They did not call me the Crown Prince of Bhutan or the representative from Bhutan.”

They called me ‘Prince Jigme’—my name—as if I were family. Since that day, the Thai people have shown me and Bhutan nothing but kindness, warmth, and support, year after year, without fail… Thank you, Thailand. Thank you for your kindness… I intend to spend the rest of my life reciprocating.

Reflections on Thailand’s spirit

Thailand and Bhutan share a rare bond: we are among the few nations never colonized… Thailand remained free through the wisdom of King Mongkut, the brilliance of King Chulalongkorn, and successive great leaders, and most importantly, the resilience of the Thai people… What I admire most is Thailand’s sensibility—the wisdom to know when to bend and when to stand firmly.

This pragmatism, this instinct for balance, has kept Thailand stable while others have stumbled. It will carry Thailand far into the future.

So again, I want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you for the support that you’ve shown, and we will work very hard to reciprocate. Thank you very much.