His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on 19 October 2025 granted a royal audience to Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who visited Bhutan on 18-20 October to preside over the Royal Kathina Robe offering ceremony at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, Tashichhodzong, in Thimphu.

The Royal Kathina Robe was graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This marks the fifth Royal Kathina offering ceremony in Bhutan, as part of Thailand’s continuing efforts to foster goodwill and people-to-people relations.

The ceremony was also held in the lead-up to the auspicious occasion of the 70th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, on 11 November 2025.

The Foreign Minister was delighted at the close and cordial relations between Thailand and Bhutan, which have been deeply rooted in the special bonds between the Royal Families, as exemplified by the state visit to Bhutan by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand from 25 to 28 April 2025. 

In addition, the Foreign Minister also expressed his great honor to welcome Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan for their forthcoming visit to Thailand to graciously accept the honorary doctorate degrees conferred by Chulalongkorn University in December 2025.

On this occasion, His Majesty the King of Bhutan shared his vision for the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” to become Bhutan’s economic hub, while preserving the country’s local culture and environment. The Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to cooperating with Bhutan on this project, as well as continuing the technical cooperation projects in Bhutan.

On the same day, the Foreign Minister attended a dinner hosted in his honor by Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan D.N. Dhungyel. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the close relations between the two countries, which have been strengthened through continued exchanges of high-level visits and the progress of bilateral cooperation in various areas, particularly the signing of the Thailand - Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Thai Foreign Minister also reiterated Thailand’s commitment to supporting Bhutan in the development of the GMC project.

In addition, both sides discussed ways to promote people-to-people connectivity between Thailand and Bhutan through tourism cooperation and connectivity, as well as development cooperation, particularly the human resource development program.