The government spokesperson revealed the key schedule for Anutin's visit to Bhutan from 30 Oct to 1 Nov to strengthen 37 years of relations and promote trade and investment opportunities. This is the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister in 8 years, and is considered significant.
On 29 October 2026, Ekapop Pianpiset, spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to make an official visit (Official Visit) to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November 2026 in Thimphu and Gelephu, Bhutan. The visit follows an invitation from Bhutan's Prime Minister to continue the strong relationship and promote cooperation in all dimensions, especially economy, trade, investment, tourism, and development cooperation. He will also participate in the ceremony to build 108 stupas in Gelephu, as invited by the Bhutanese government, symbolizing the start of the new city’s development.
This visit marks the first official visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Bhutan in 8 years. Its main goal is to advance close relations into tangible results, especially preparing to utilize the Thailand-Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) effective 1 January 2027. It also aims to encourage Thai private sector expansion in trade and investment in Bhutan, particularly economic opportunities arising from the development of Gelephu new city. This will open new markets for Thai entrepreneurs, enhance economic growth prospects, and create mutual benefits for both countries.
The spokesperson continued that Thailand and Bhutan have maintained close and strong relations for a long time at royal, government, and people levels. This year marks the 37th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit is therefore a crucial opportunity to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to deepen relations with Bhutan in all aspects and promote cooperation that benefits the peoples of both nations.
Topics for discussion will include preparations to maximize benefits from the Thailand-Bhutan FTA, promoting trade and investment opportunities for Thai private sector in Bhutan, especially in Gelephu city, enhancing people-to-people connectivity, supporting tourism, cooperation in clean energy, and human resource and social development to foster sustainable growth for both countries. Three important agreements and documents will be signed and exchanged.
Key schedule details are as follows: 30 October 2026 In the morning, the Prime Minister and delegation will depart from Air Force Base 2, Wing 6, to Paro International Airport. Upon arrival, they will attend the official welcoming ceremony and proceed to the Bhutanese Prime Minister’s Office (Gyalyong Tshogkhang) to meet with Bhutan’s Prime Minister and witness the signing and exchange of key agreements and documents aimed at driving cooperation between the two countries into concrete outcomes.
In the evening, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with Thai volunteers in Bhutan to learn about their work and role in supporting development cooperation and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. Afterwards, he will attend a dinner reception hosted by the Bhutanese Prime Minister in honor of the Prime Minister and his spouse.
, 31 October 2026 The Prime Minister will visit the national monument Chorten, the sacred site housing the Holy Truth Buddha, and the National Museum of Bhutan. These sites are significant for Bhutan’s history, religion, and culture. This visit forms part of efforts to promote religious and cultural relations between the two countries, which share Buddhism as a foundational link. The Prime Minister will also explore ways to conserve and promote Bhutan’s cultural heritage, supporting cultural exchange and further cooperation in culture and tourism.
1 November 2026 The Prime Minister will travel to Gelephu city, as invited by the Bhutanese government, to participate in Project 108, which involves constructing 108 stupas within one day. This ceremony symbolically marks the start of developing Gelephu as a new city that Bhutan aims to build as a city of the future, combining economic development with sustainable principles and cultural identity. The Prime Minister’s participation reflects the close ties and cooperation between the two countries, and offers an opportunity to promote economic connectivity and seek trade and investment opportunities for Thai private sector in Gelephu in the future.
The government spokesperson added that the Prime Minister is scheduled to have an audience with the King and Queen of Bhutan before returning to Thailand in the evening after completing his duties.