Anutin met with Bhutan's Prime Minister to promote an FTA that would open trade opportunities for Thailand, focusing on exports of jasmine rice, seafood, and meat, while expanding economic cooperation in all dimensions.
At 4:00 p.m. local time on 30 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, held bilateral talks with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, at Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office in Thimphu. The meeting was part of Anutin's official visit upon Bhutan's invitation, aimed at elevating relations and driving tangible cooperation outcomes.
The discussion emphasized expanding economic opportunities, notably by advancing the Thailand–Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Bhutan's leader viewed the FTA as a means to enhance the competitiveness of Thai products in Bhutan's market, especially noting Bhutan's interest in increasing imports of Thai automobiles.
Meanwhile, the Thai Prime Minister noted that both countries have significant potential to increase trade and investment values, particularly in high-quality Thai agricultural and food products such as jasmine rice, seafood, chicken, and pork, which align with Bhutanese consumer demands.
Additionally, Thailand proposed that the private sectors of both countries collaborate to develop logistics systems, industrial estates, infrastructure, and energy projects, along with expanding cooperation in technology to create long-term business and investment opportunities.
Another key topic was clean energy cooperation. The Thai Prime Minister proposed that the energy ministers of both countries hold joint discussions to seek ways to promote investment in environmentally friendly industries and support sustainable economic development.
In the health sector, Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to support the development of Bhutan's medical personnel and healthcare systems. Bhutan expressed a desire to encourage more of its citizens to seek medical services in Thailand, especially for complex treatments in which Thailand has expertise.
Regarding education, Bhutan’s Prime Minister expressed interest in promoting Thai language learning among Bhutanese people to increase employment opportunities with Thai businesses in Bhutan and strengthen economic links between the two populations.
Furthermore, Anutin proposed organizing a business forum between Thai and Bhutanese private sectors to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet and explore cooperation in food, technology, energy, and infrastructure in a concrete manner.
Both leaders expressed their pleasure at the scheduled signing of three cooperation agreements on 31 October 2026, marking a significant step in expanding bilateral relations.
In addition, Anutin was invited to participate in an important event in Gelephu on 1 November 2026, commemorating the construction of 108 stupas under the royal initiative of the King of Bhutan, reflecting the close Buddhist and cultural ties between the two nations.
The Bhutanese Prime Minister conveyed the royal wishes of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, who attaches great importance to this visit and desires that Bhutan warmly welcomes the Thai delegation.
This visit to Bhutan not only strengthens the friendship between the two countries but also represents a vital opportunity to open new markets for Thai products, create investment channels, and expand Thailand's economic role in South Asia under the economic diplomacy initiatives of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government.
