Ceremony Overview
On 19 October 2025, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, presided over the presentation of the Royal Kathina Robe, graciously bestowed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, Tashichhodzong, Thimphu, Kingdom of Bhutan.
Key Attendees
The ceremony was led by Venerable Lopen Ugyen Dorji, Abbot of Kuenrey Monastery, and attended by:
- H.E. Lyonpo Tshering, Minister for Home Affairs of Bhutan
- H.E. Dasho Kesang Wangdi, Deputy Chairman of the Privy Council of Bhutan
- Mrs. Varaporn Phuangketkeow, spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- H.E. Mrs. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, Ambassador of Thailand in Dhaka and Ambassador-Designate to Bhutan
- Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information
- Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka
- Representatives from Team Thailand
- Honorary Consulate-General of Thailand in Thimphu
- Executives and officials from the Council for Buddhism in Bhutan, the Office of the Royal Chamberlain, the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bhutan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan
- Members of the Thai and Bhutanese Buddhist communities
Contributions and Significance
This year’s Royal Kathina offering received contributions totaling approximately 573,733 Thai Baht, including 552,720 Thai Baht, 310 USD, and 14,746 Ngultrum from His Majesty the King, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Thai and Bhutanese devotees.
Kuenrey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most significant Vajrayana Buddhist monasteries, hosts major national religious ceremonies and royal audiences at the Grand Kuenrey Hall. The hall also served as the venue for the State Visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand on 25 April 2025, and the presentation of the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation – King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions on 23 June 2025.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
This ceremony marks the fifth Royal Kathina offering in Bhutan, reflecting Thailand’s ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and people-to-people relations. It follows the State Visit by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand in April 2025 and precedes the 70th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, on 11 November 2025.
Thailand’s Cultural Diplomacy
Since 1995, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has organized annual Royal Kathina Robe presentations at Buddhist temples abroad to strengthen friendship and foster ties through Buddhism. In 2025, ceremonies are held in eight countries: India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, and China, totaling 198 ceremonies across 13 countries over 31 years.
Media
Additional image from the ceremony: