Thailand and Bhutan to Advance Bilateral Relations

Email

Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay is on an official visit to Thailand from 25 to 28 June 2023.

Thailand and Bhutan to Advance Bilateral Relations (Source: Bangkok Post)

He held a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on 26 June at Government House, where a joint press conference also took place. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that a fruitful discussion was made between the two prime ministers.

On trade and investment, Thailand and Bhutan agreed to foster closer bilateral trade relations by speeding up FTA negotiations and increasing trade volume to the targeted goal of 120 million USD as soon as possible.

Thailand is interested in exploring investment opportunities in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which promises to be a vibrant economic hub. The holistic vision of GMC resonates with Thailand’s shared values of technology-driven and sustainable future.

Bhutan-Thailand Deepening Cooperation and Signing of MOUs

Bhutan-Thailand Deepening Cooperation and Signing of MOUs

Concerning tourism cooperation, the two kingdoms are blessed with rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty, and look forward to promoting the “Two Kingdoms, One Destination” initiative, which will boost the tourism industry in both countries. In order to further strengthen people-to-people ties, both prime ministers looked to the possibility of establishing a “Friends of Thailand-Bhutan Group” to deepen the bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

Regarding education and technical cooperation, Thailand and Bhutan are committed to facilitating student and academic exchanges, which will enhance mutual understanding and create lasting friendships between younger generations. 

Renewable energy is another key area where the two countries can work together. By sharing expertise and best practices, Thailand and Bhutan can advance their efforts to achieve energy security, such as in hydropower, which both countries have expertise.

Thailand and Bhutan are also committed to leveraging connectivity and will work together to enhance these connections to facilitate the movement of goods and peoples. As Thailand is Bhutan’s development partner, the country will extend support in knowledge sharing in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and technology. At the same time, Thailand looks forward to learning from Bhutan’s approaches to sustainable development, and Gross National Happiness, which resembles Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

On this occasion, the prime ministers of the two countries witnessed the signing of the following two MOUs:

1. Memorandum of Understanding for Academic Cooperation and Exchange of Faculty Members between Department of Medical Services, Minister of Public Health, Thailand, and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan;

2. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism.

Thailand-Bhutan Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke quoted Mr Srettha as saying it was a deep honour to welcome Mr Tobgay on his official visit, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of Thailand-Bhutan diplomatic relations.

“The two memoranda of understanding will help boost tourism in the two countries and promote academic exchange and cooperation in medical education,” he said.

In terms of regional cooperation, Mr Chai said Thailand and Bhutan both realise the importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), especially for trade and connectivity.

Mr Srettha has extended his invitation to his Bhutanese counterpart to return to Thailand for the Bimstec Summit in September.

Mr Tobgay accepted the invitation and invited Mr Srettha to visit Bhutan at his earliest convenience.

Reception for Thai Tour Operators, Travel Agents and Airlines

In honor of Hon'ble Prime Minister's visit, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok hosted a reception for Thai tour operators, travel agents, and airlines.
dasho tshering tobgay in bhutan reception thai tours
During his address, the Prime Minister encouraged the tour operators and agents to visit Bhutan before promoting it, emphasizing the importance of a genuine personal connection to the country. Further, he expressed gratitude to H.E. Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bhutan, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, for their dedicated efforts in promoting Bhutan as a premier tourist destination. The Prime Minister's address also highlighted the strong ties between Bhutan and Thailand, noting how Bhutanese people favor Thailand as a holiday destination and expressing his desire to see Bhutan promoted in the same light to the Thai people.

 

History of Bhutan-Thailand Relations

Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Thailand were established on 14 November 1989. The Royal Families of the two countries have shared strong relations since prior to 1989 and have exchanged visits. H.E. Mr. Kinzang Dorji is the current Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Thailand and H.E. Mrs. Makawadee Sumitmor is the current Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Bhutan.

Beginning in the 1980s when Thailand offered few training slots under the Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation’s (DTEC, or Thai International Cooperation Agency since March 2005) Groups Training Program, Human Resource Development has been the main area of cooperation between the two countries. TICA also offers scholarships for Bhutanese students to pursue higher studies in Thailand. Besides TICA, private universities in Thailand also offer scholarships to Bhutanese students. In addition, His Majesty’s Secretariat and Royal Civil Service Commission receive numerous scholarships annually from various universities, schools, and hospitals in Thailand.

Technical cooperation in health began on 16 October 1987 with the signing of an MoU concerning human resource development and educational linkages. With the support of the Thai Government, work on the construction of an ENT center in Thimphu is underway. Bhutan has also been receiving volunteers with technical expertise in different fields such as agriculture, public health, tourism, and vocational programs from Thailand under the framework of the “Friends from Thailand Programme” since 2008. Bhutan and Thailand hold various meetings such as Annual Bilateral Consultation, Joint Trade Committee Meeting, and Joint Agriculture Working Group Meeting to keep track of the development activities between the two countries.

How to Travel to Bhutan from Thailand

Travelling to Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand is easy. Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, operates daily flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok (BKK), Thailand to Paro International Airport, Bhutan. 

Total flight duration from Bangkok (BKK), Thailand to Bhutan is 3 hours. There might be a 30 - 45 minutes layover at Bagdogra or Kolkata, India for some flights. Passengers are not required to disembark from the aircraft.

Check out the full comprehensive guide on travelling to Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand

Tour packages to Bhutan

suvarnabhumi airport



Related Posts

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Visited Singapore And Shared About...

On the 5th April 2024, Opera Gallery, an international gallery specializing in modern and contemporary art celebrated...

Apr 09, 2024 10:17

Himalayan Harmony: Catch Ed Sheeran Live in Bhutan

This winter, experience the ultimate coolcation as Ed Sheeran brings his “+–=÷x (Mathematics Tour)” to Bhutan, a land...

Dec 06, 2024 12:03

Ed Sheeran to Make History as Bhutan Hosts Its First...

Global music superstar Ed Sheeran is set to make history in January 2025 by becoming the first international artist to...

Nov 29, 2024 21:07

Royal Inauguration of Changyul Park

On August 23, 2024, Changyul Park in Changzamtok, Thimphu, was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony graced by His...

Nov 12, 2024 11:02

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

The Consecration of Jangchub Chorten At Bhutan’s Highest Point

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck graced the auspicious consecration ceremony...

Oct 22, 2024 11:15

Latest

News

Himalayan Harmony: Catch Ed Sheeran Live in Bhutan

This winter, experience the ultimate coolcation as Ed Sheeran brings his “+–=÷x (Mathematics Tour)” to Bhutan, a land where Himalayan...

Dec 06, 2024 12:03

Ed Sheeran to Make History as Bhutan Hosts Its First International Concert

Global music superstar Ed Sheeran is set to make history in January 2025 by becoming the first international artist to perform in Bhutan.

Nov 29, 2024 21:07

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the...

Nov 08, 2024 15:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app