Thailand has urged Bhutan to open up opportunities for the Thai private sector to participate in developing infrastructure, logistics system, clean energy, and industrial estates in Bhutan, especially in the city of Gelephu, which holds great potential for future economic development.

Prime Minister Autin Charnvirakul on 30 October 2026 had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay during his official visit to Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November. Thailand is ready to push for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, particularly in making use of the Thai-Bhutanese free trade agreement (FTA) to increase Thai agricultural, food, and automobile exports, as well as promoting the Thai private sector investments.

Both sides also discussed greater cooperation in public health and human resource development in order to create opportunities and benefits for their people. Bhutan wants its people to seek more medical treatment in Thailand, which has many medical experts and modern establishments.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister viewed that the FTA would help enhance the competitiveness of Thai products in Bhutan, especially the automotive and food-processing industries. Bhutan is interested in importing more automobiles from Thailand, while Thailand may use raw materials from Bhutan to increase value of its products in food-processing.

Prime Minister Anutin noted that vast opportunities are seen for the trade and investment expansion between the two countries and said that Thailand has great potential to export food and agricultural products of high quality, such as Hom Mali rice, seafood, chicken, and pork, which are in need in Bhutan.

He proposed that a business forum be held between the private sectors of both sides to explore more business opportunities in the fields that both sides have potential, such as technology, energy, and infrastructure.

Both sides also emphasized close relations between the Royal Families of the two countries, which is a major foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation. Also on 30 October, Prime Minister Anutin met the Thai community in Bhutan, saying that Thai people there have played a vital role in serving as “ambassadors” to help strengthen relations and better understanding between the peoples of both countries.