The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The recent State Visit by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand from 25th to 28th April to Bhutan marked a historic milestone in the friendship between Bhutan and Thailand. As the first State Visit by the King of Thailand, it reflected the deep bonds between our Royal Families, the shared spiritual heritage of our two nations, and the warm goodwill between our peoples. The visit was on the invitation of His Majesty The King.
The visit started on 25th April when in a special gesture of welcome, Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen personally received Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand at the Paro International Airport.
Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand were formally received at the Tashichhodzong, where a Guard of Honour was presented by the three armed forces.
His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and Members of the Royal Family joined in welcoming Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand at a special welcome programme held at Tendrelthang, where an additional guard of honour was presented by the DeSuups and Gyalsuups, and a cultural showcase featured traditional Bhutanese and Thai dances.
On 26th April Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen joined Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand at Kuenselphodrang morning for a special prayer ceremony, and offered prayers at the Buddha Dordenma.
Thousands of people gathered to receive the Tshepamey and Tandin Wang conferred by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, and to view the sacred relics placed on public display. A relic of Lord Buddha, presented by His Majesty the King of Thailand to His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo and the people of Bhutan, along with four relics from Bhutan, was exhibited for public blessings.
74 monks from Thailand and 74 monks from Bhutan offered prayers and a thousand butter lamps were lit for the long life and wellbeing of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand.
Later, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, visited Dechenchholing to view an exhibition of Royal Project initiatives in collaboration with Thailand. These include the National Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme, the Golden Mahseer Conservation Programme, the Sturgeon Farming Project, and One Gewog One Product (OGOP). Modeled after Thailand’s “One Tambon, One Product” programme and supported by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, OGOP is administered under the Queen’s Project.
On 27 April Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen hosted Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand at the Lingkana Palace.
Traditional games of archery, khuru, and soksoma were organised at Lingkana Palace, and an exhibition featuring Bhutanese crafts, artwork, and locally made products was set up for Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand to experience Bhutanese culture and craftsmanship.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand visited Kaja Throm, where they were received by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck. De-suups from the various De-suung Skilling Programme courses showcased their work, and presented dance performances at the event.
Their Majesties also toured the Kaja Throm market, viewing local produce and handmade products from farmers and artisans.
On 28 April, the final day of the four-day visit, Their Majesties were seen off from Thimphu by Members of the Royal Family, and warmly greeted by people along the way to Paro. Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand visited Dungkar Dzong, where they were hosted by Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen. At Paro International Airport, Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen personally bid farewell to the King and Queen of Thailand, bringing the visit to a warm and memorable close.
