The Bhutanese Prime Minister led the Thai Prime Minister to explore Bhutanese arts and culture and to pay homage to the Great Buddha Dordenma, Bhutan’s large bronze Buddha statue, reflecting the close relationship and building on cooperation in cultural tourism.
At 10:35 a.m. local Bhutan time on 31 October 2026, one hour behind Thailand, at the site of the Great Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan, Ekaphop Piansilp, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, accompanied Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, along with his wife and delegation, to visit Bhutanese arts and culture and pay respects to the Great Buddha Dordenma. The Thai Prime Minister offered a traditional scarf and lit a butter lamp according to Bhutanese custom.
On this occasion, both Prime Ministers jointly appreciated Bhutan’s arts, culture, and Buddhist heritage, which form the foundation of the lifestyle and identity of its people. This reflects the religious and cultural bonds between Thailand and Bhutan, serving as a crucial basis to promote mutual understanding among their peoples and to expand cooperation in culture and tourism.
The Great Buddha Dordenma is a 52-meter-tall bronze and gold-plated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, situated on Kuenselphodrang hill. Inside it are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. It is an important religious site and a symbol of peace and prosperity in Bhutan, as well as a significant destination for religious and cultural tourism in Thimphu.
This visit is part of the official state visit of the Thai Prime Minister to Bhutan from 30 October to 1 November 2026. In addition to strengthening cooperation in the economy, trade, and investment, emphasis is placed on promoting relations in religion, arts, culture, and tourism to foster closeness between the peoples and lay a sustainable foundation for bilateral cooperation.
