On 22nd December 2025, under the soft morning light at Paro International Airport, 47 students stood in quiet anticipation. Dressed in matching orange T-shirts and black tracksuits, boarding passes clutched in their hands, their excitement was unmistakable.

For all of them, including three students with special needs, this was a moment of many firsts: their first flight on Drukair and their first journey beyond Bhutan’s borders. What lay ahead was not just a trip abroad, but an experience designed to open minds, broaden horizons, and plant the seeds of possibility.

From Vision to Opportunity

This journey marked the third edition of the Tongsa Penlop Inspire Programme, following earlier editions in 2018 and 2019. Now repurposed as Drukair’s educational outreach initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, the programme offers less-privileged students and teachers from remote schools meaningful exposure trips during school holidays. The aim is simple yet powerful: to show young Bhutanese that geography and circumstance need not limit ambition.

The third batch brought together 23 boys and 24 girls from 20 dzongkhags across Bhutan. Among them were two special needs students from Wangsel Institute and one from Drukgyel Central School in Paro. Five male and two female teachers accompanied the group as participants and mentors.

Selection was carried out by the Gyalpoi Zimpon Kidu Office, the Ministry of Education and Skill Development, and the government, based on clear criteria prioritising underprivileged backgrounds, academic merit, and students who had never travelled abroad.

Learning Before Take-Off

Preparation began even before departure. At Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, students attended orientation sessions that included workshops conducted by Drukair cabin crew, briefings on travel etiquette, and a detailed walkthrough of the itinerary. The following day, the group visited key landmarks in Thimphu, including Buddha Point, the Takin Zoo, and Changyul Park.

On December 22, ahead of their international flight, the students visited Paro International Airport to gain first-hand insight into how Bhutan connects with the world through aviation. That evening, the group arrived in Thailand, marking the first overseas experience for every participant.

First Impressions of a Big City

In Bangkok, students stayed at the five-star Grand Four Wings Hotel, experiencing city life in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest capitals. For many who had grown up in quiet mountain communities, the scale and pace of the city were eye-opening. “I never even dreamt of flying on Drukair, let alone staying in a big city like Bangkok,” said Jamyang Yoezer. “This trip showed us there are no limits to what we can achieve if we study hard and believe in ourselves.”

Learning Across Borders

A highlight of the programme was the visit to Dhammajairine Wittaya School in Ratchaburi Province. Here, students interacted with their Thai counterparts, exchanging ideas, cultures, and perspectives. The experience reinforced the role of education as a bridge between societies.

Dawa Choden of Samtengang Higher Secondary School described the visit as transformative. “We learnt about a different education system and saw how students are prepared for practical skills alongside academics,” she said. “This opportunity has changed how I see my future. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.”

Beyond Textbooks

The days that followed were filled with exploration and discovery. At Pattaya Beach, many students saw the sea for the first time. For those who had spent their entire lives in the mountains, the vastness of the ocean was overwhelming.

At Khao Kheow Zoo, one of Thailand’s largest wildlife parks, students observed animals up close, turning textbook lessons into lived experiences and sparking new curiosity about nature. Dream World amusement park brought joy, imagination, and creativity, marking the participants’ first-ever visit to an amusement park. Ocean World later offered hands-on learning about marine ecosystems, deepening awareness of the natural world.

Moments That Stay

For some, small moments carried lasting meaning. One such moment stood out for Pema Samdrup from the Royal Academy. “I had never been inside a five-star hotel before,” he said. “That night made me realise that such places are not only for rich people. If we work hard, we can reach there one day too.” Another student, Karma Yuden, reflected on the impact of seeing the world beyond the classroom.

“We have read about oceans in our textbooks, but seeing the oceans with our own eyes was unbelievable,” she said. “Interaction with Thai students inspired me to study harder. It also made me realise that with similar educational facilities, we can do even better.”

Closing a Life-Changing Journey

The journey concluded on December 27 with a farewell programme celebrating the students’ achievements. Certificates were presented, recognising their dedication and growth. All participants were academically strong students from underprivileged backgrounds, returning home not only with memories, but with broadened perspectives and renewed confidence.

As beautifully expressed by Yab Dasho Dhondup Gyaltshen, Founder of the Tongsa Penlop Inspire Program; “An opportunity to travel abroad and to see the world differently will inspire less privileged students for life.” Through Drukair’s CSR commitment, the programme continues to invest in Bhutan’s youth, nurturing confident future leaders. Partner institutions including the Office of Gyalpo Zimpon, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and Druk Gyalpo’s Institute were honoured for their support, with the journey ending on a warm note over a farewell dinner hosted by Dawa at Hilltop.

As the students returned home, what lingered most was not just memories of new places, but the warmth of friendships formed along the way. From shared classrooms to shared conversations, the journey revealed how education and exchange can quietly strengthen the bonds between Bhutan and Thailand.

In these moments of connection, the programme affirmed a simple truth: when young minds meet across borders, friendship becomes the foundation for understanding, and understanding becomes a bridge to a more connected future.