Thailand prepares for royal visit to Bhutan

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with the Bhutanese Ambassador to Thailand to prepare for the upcoming state visit of the King and Queen of Bhutan. This visit will be their first since receiving an invitation from Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The meeting included discussions on enhancing diplomatic ties and cultural exchanges. The Thai government expressed readiness to support the visit, while the Bhutanese ambassador highlighted Thailand's importance as a trading partner and a destination for Bhutanese seeking medical care and education. Economic cooperation was also a key topic, particularly a free trade agreement expected to be signed at the upcoming Bimstec Summit in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand showed interest in investment opportunities in Bhutan's new Gelephu Mindfulness City, which aims to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.