Bhutan prime minister visits Thailand after 10 years
Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay kicked off his official visit to Thailand on Tuesday, June 25, making history as the first Bhutanese leader to do so in over 10 years.
The visit, which marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, has set the stage for a series of significant discussions and agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, PM Tobgay was given a warm welcome by a Thai government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. This four-day visit, running until tomorrow, June 28, is packed with crucial engagements designed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and academia.
A key highlight of this visit will be the signing of two memorandums of understanding, focusing on tourism and healthcare. These agreements underscore the shared interests of Bhutan and Thailand in promoting mutual growth and collaboration in these vital sectors.
Tobgay’s itinerary includes comprehensive bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart, as well as meetings with key officials such as the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports. He is set to engage with representatives from Thailand’s private tourism and airline sectors, seeking to bolster connections and opportunities in these industries.
A notable event during the visit will be Prime Minister Tobgay’s special lecture at Chulalongkorn University. This lecture is expected to provide an academic perspective on his diplomatic mission, fostering deeper cultural and educational exchanges between Bhutan and Thailand, reported Pattaya Mail.
In related news, in a momentous event overseen by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, a ceremony unfolded on May 27 to transfer a cache of arms to Bhutan’s police force. The consignment included 10 armoured vehicles and 230 pistols, all manufactured by two Thai companies. Set against the backdrop of the Defence Ministry‘s permanent secretary office building, the ceremony symbolised the strong defence cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan.
