The king and queen of Thailand embarked on a historic four-day visit to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan on Friday, where they were welcomed as guests of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Queen Consort of Bhutan Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen, respectively. Among the highlights of the royal visit was a Buddhist chanting ceremony at the sacred Buddha Dordenma statue on Saturday, when 74 Bhutanese monks and 74 Thai monks conducted a prayer ceremony for blessings.
“His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua arrived in Bhutan this morning on a four-day State Visit, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, at the invitation of His Majesty The King,” a statement shared on the official Facebook page of the Bhutanese king announced on 25 April. “Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand were accorded a warm welcome to Bhutan by entire nation, reflecting the close ties of friendship and goodwill shared between the two Kingdoms.” (Facebook)
The visit marks the first official state visit by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana since the Thai king assumed the throne in 2016.* The visit, which comes at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, emphasizes the two kingdoms’ shared Buddhist heritage and growing friendship and cooperation since diplomatic ties were established in 1989.
Bhutan’s ambassador to Thailand, Kinzang Dorji, described the royal visit as a watershed moment that would usher in a new era of cooperation and cultural exchange for the two kingdoms.
“This is the first state visit abroad in the current reign, making it a historical milestone for both countries,” Thailand’s ambassador to Bhutan, Makawadee Sumitmor told the Bhutanese newspaper Kuensel. “His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn had previously visited Bhutan as Crown Prince in 1991, shortly after our diplomatic ties were established. We already share close ties between our royal families, and this visit will make it even more special. The entire nation of Thailand is eagerly following this auspicious occasion, reflecting a shared admiration that enhances awareness between our people.” (Kuensel)
During Saturday’s key visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a 54-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking Thimphu Valley and dedicated to global peace and prosperity, the Thai royals presented a relic of the historical Buddha to the king and queen of Bhutan for permanent enshrinement at the site as a symbol of shared connection. This and other sacred relics will be placed on public display as part of a special spiritual offering.
The royal itinerary also included: visits to the Dechencholing Royal Project to view an exhibition highlighting cooperation between Thailand’s Royal Project Foundation and Bhutanese government agencies; experiencing Bhutanese culture, with visits to Lingkana Palace, Thimphu Market, a tour of the Royal Academy, and a visit to Dungkar Dzong in Paro, where the Thai royals paid homage to Shakyamuni Buddha; as well as an exploration of Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Project,** and a meeting with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and his wife Tashi Doma.
In an editorial commentary on the occasion, Bhutan’s Kuensel newspaper observed that the close ties between Bhutan and Thailand had been cemented by the Bhutanese king’s visit to Thailand in 2006:
That year, His Majesty, then the Crown Prince, attended the grand celebration of the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. . . .
This connection, built on genuine affection and admiration, has become the cornerstone of an extraordinary people-to-people relationship between the two Buddhist Kingdoms. His Majesty’s unique approach to diplomacy, marked by sincerity, accessibility, and personal engagement, has transformed a formal bilateral relationship into a deep-rooted friendship.
The impact of this royal diplomacy is unmistakable. Ever since the 2006 visit, there has been a noticeable increase in Thai visitors to Bhutan, inspired by their love for Bhutan’s monarch and its values. Likewise, Bhutanese people feel a cultural and spiritual closeness to Thailand, strengthened by a shared Buddhist heritage and deep mutual respect. (Kuensel)
“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 noted. “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.” (Kuensel)
Bhutan, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, and sandwiched between the two political and economic heavy hitters India and China, is the world’s last remaining Vajrayana Buddhist country. The spiritual tradition is embedded in the very consciousness and culture of this remote land, where it has flourished with an unbroken history that dates back to its introduction by Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, in the eighth century. Almost 85 per cent of Bhutan’s population identify as Buddhists, with Hinduism accounting for the majority of the remainder. Most of Bhutan’s Buddhists follow either the Drukpa Kagyu or the Nyingma schools of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Thailand is predominantly a Theravada Buddhist country, with 92.5 per cent of the kingdom’s population of 66 million identifying as Buddhists, according to data for 2021. The next most prominent religion is Islam, representing 5.4 per cent.
* (BDG) and Thailand Crowns New King in Elaborate Buddhist and Brahmin Rituals (BDG)
** Bhutan Launches “Mindfulness City” Project to Promote Economy and Foster Well-Being (BDG)
See more
Historic Royal visit of King of Thailand (Kuensel)
Thailand King’s state visit: Milestone of unity and friendship (Kuensel)
Royal diplomacy: How King strengthened ties with Thailand (Kuensel)
Bhutan extends a royal welcome to the King and Queen of Thailand on historic state visit (The Nation)
Bhutanese, Thai monks offer chants to His Majesty, the Queen (Bangkok Post)
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