Prime Minister paves way for royal visit to Bhutan

Their Majesties the King and Queen state visit to Bhutan, on Friday 16 February 2023 at 15.15, during a meeting between H.E. Mrs. Pema Choden, Ambassador of Bhutan to the Kingdom of Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

It will be the first state visit of Their Majesties at the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan.

Ms Paetongtarn met His Excellency Kinzang Dorji, Bhutanese Ambassador to Thailand. The meeting also was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and the prime minister’s secretary-general, Prommin Lertsuridej.

The trip, which will be King Rama X’s first state visit in his current reign, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan, will also raise the diplomatic relationship between the two nations, including according to the promotion of nations’ cultures.

The prime minister said that the Thai government was ready to give its full support while relevant agencies from both sides will join forces to undertake preparations in order for the royal visit to go smoothly.

Thailand is a vital trading partner and the top destination for Bhutanese who seek medical treatment, education and tourism, the Bhutanese ambassador said.

Economic cooperation was also discussed, with focus on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, Ms Sasikarn said, adding a recent fourth round of negotiations towards an agreement had been deemed a success.

The Thailand-Bhutan FTA is likely to be signed at the time of sixth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Summit, next month in Thailand, which Prime Minister of Bhutan is also likely to attend.

The discussion was also centered around Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The Bhutanese ambassador expressed his belief that the new smart city could be a new economic hub for the country given that it provides a natural link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The GMC comprising of those expertise is of interest to Thailand in investment opportunities and Thailand will learn more about its correspondent regulation and policies to invest in the GMC in the future, Ms Paetongtarn added.