The Bhutanese government invited the Thai Prime Minister as the sole foreign leader to join the important ceremony of the 108 Stupas Project, reflecting the friendship and trust between the two countries and offering a chance to learn about development concepts.
At 09:00 on 1 Nov 2026 (local Bhutan time, one hour behind Thailand) in Gelephu, Kingdom of Bhutan, Mr. Ekaphop Pianpiset, spokesman of the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, accompanied by his wife and delegation, traveled to Gelephu to attend the opening ceremony of the 108 Stupas Project upon invitation from the Bhutanese government. The Prime Minister was the only foreign leader invited to this significant event.
Upon arrival at the ceremony venue, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Bhutanese Prime Minister, along with Lyonpo Lungten Dorji, Minister of Home Affairs of Bhutan; Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister of Health of Bhutan; Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan; and Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, Governor of the Gelephu special administrative district, demonstrating the importance the Bhutanese government places on Thailand's participation.
Then, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan arrived at the venue of the 108 Stupas celebration ceremony. The proceedings began with a playing of the long horn (Dungchen) to honor the construction of the 108 stupas, followed by the singing of Bhutan’s national anthem.
Project 108 is an initiative under the royal command of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bhutan’s fifth monarch. It aims to build and install 108 Jangchub Chortens—stupas symbolizing enlightenment—along the Mao Chhu River near Gelephu, a key area of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Each stupa stands about 15 meters tall and is spaced 108 meters apart. The construction of all 108 stupas is scheduled to be completed simultaneously within 24 hours, driven by the cooperation of over 40,000 volunteers.
The invitation extended to the Thai Prime Minister to join this project represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate friendship and close ties between Thailand and Bhutan, particularly on this important occasion that combines religious, cultural, and national development dimensions. It also allows Thailand to engage with the development concept of Gelephu, designated as a special administrative zone undergoing new urban development under the Gelephu Mindfulness City framework, which prioritizes quality of life, sustainability, nature, and citizen well-being alongside economic growth.
Moreover, the 108 Stupas Project reflects Bhutan’s development philosophy that values spiritual well-being and quality of life alongside economic advancement. In Vajrayana Buddhism, stupas symbolize enlightenment and the Dharma, while the number 108 holds symbolic significance in Buddhist tradition. Constructing all 108 stupas within 24 hours serves both as a religious activity and a display of the collective strength and cooperation of people from diverse sectors.
Additionally, holding the ceremony on 1 November 2026, which coincides with Lhabab Düchen—a major religious festival in Vajrayana Buddhism—and the coronation day of Bhutan’s king, further emphasizes the event’s importance in both religious and royal institutional contexts.
The spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister stated that the visit to Gelephu was more than attending a major Bhutanese ceremony; it was an opportunity for Thailand to partake in a key moment in Bhutan’s future city development, especially in the Gelephu Mindfulness City area, which Bhutan is developing into a special administrative zone and a model city. It was also a chance to exchange perspectives on urban development that centers on people and sustainability.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister and his wife, along with a small delegation, also paid respects to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan in Gelephu before departing for Paro and returning to Thailand the same day, with an expected arrival around 20:00.
