Anutin’s Bhutan trip is the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in eight years, with bilateral talks and three documents on the agenda

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Bhutan on October 30, 2026, beginning the first official visit to the country by a Thai prime minister in eight years. The three-day trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment and public health.

Anutin is visiting at the invitation of Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The programme runs until November 1, with engagements in Thimphu and Gelephu, as the two countries mark the 37th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The Thai delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat and Traisulee Taisaranakul, secretary-general to the prime minister.

Bhutan’s premier welcomes Anutin at Paro

Tshering Tobgay welcomed Anutin and his delegation at Paro International Airport, where they arrived at 10.20am local time, one hour behind Thailand. Bhutan’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Sonam Tashi, serving as minister-in-attendance, and Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister D.N. Dhungyel also joined the reception.

Bhutanese schoolchildren presented flowers to Anutin and his wife. Tshering Tobgay and his wife then offered the visiting couple khadhar ceremonial scarves, symbols of goodwill and auspicious blessings.

Anutin and Tshering Tobgay inspected a guard of honour before leaving Paro for Thimphu. The Bhutanese premier was scheduled to host a private lunch in the capital in honour of Anutin and his wife.

Bilateral talks and three documents on Anutin’s programme

Anutin and his delegation were scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Tshering Tobgay at Gyalyong Tshogkhang, Bhutan’s Prime Minister’s Office, on October 30 and witness the signing and exchange of three cooperation documents. The Thai delegation’s programme also included discussions with Bhutan’s health minister.

Thailand’s priorities for the visit span public health, renewable energy, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism and development cooperation. The government also aims to deepen cultural links and cooperation on sustainable development, creating economic opportunities and shared benefits for people in both countries.

Anutin was due to meet Thai volunteers in Bhutan to learn about their work supporting development cooperation and links between the two peoples. Tshering Tobgay was also scheduled to host a dinner in honour of Anutin and his wife. 

Cultural visits and Gelephu’s 108-stupa project to follow

Anutin’s October 31 itinerary includes the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma statue and the National Museum of Bhutan. The visits are intended to strengthen religious and cultural ties, examine Bhutan’s approach to conserving and promoting its heritage, and support further exchanges in culture and tourism.

Anutin is scheduled to travel to Gelephu on November 1 to take part in Project 108, which aims to complete 108 stupas in a single day. The event is intended to mark the symbolic beginning of the new city’s development.

Anutin is then scheduled to have an audience with Bhutan’s King and Queen before returning to Thailand that evening.