Thimphu: The Minister of Foreign Affairs has invited the Royal Kathina robes to be offered at Khunray Temple in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a gesture aimed at strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. This ceremonial offering is part of the ongoing efforts to promote friendship following the official visit of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to Bhutan in April 2015.
According to Thai News Agency, on October 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the presentation of the Royal Kathina robes from His Majesty the King at Khun Ray Monastery, Tashicho Fortress, Thimphu. The event saw the participation of Mr. Lopen Ugyen Dorji, Abbot of Khun Ray Monastery, who presided over the monastic side of the ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including HE Lyonpo Tshering, Minister of Interior in charge of Cultural Affairs, HE Dasho Kesang Wangdi, Deputy Privy Councilor, and other high-ranking representatives from Bhutan. The attendees also included Ms. Waraporn Phuangketkeow, wife of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials from various Thai and Bhutanese governmental and cultural bodies, as well as Buddhists from both communities.
The Royal Kathina robes ceremony successfully collected donations, comprising royal temple maintenance funds from His Majesty the King, royal charitable donations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contributions from devout Thai and Bhutanese people. The total amount raised was 552,720 baht, 310 US dollars, and 14,746 ngultrums, equivalent to approximately 573,733 baht.
Mr. Sihasak highlighted the significance of the ceremony, which has been a tradition for 30 years, as a means of cultural diplomacy, enhancing relations between Buddhist nations, and promoting people-to-people connections. This year marks the fifth ceremony held in Bhutan, emphasizing the close ties between the royal families and shared Buddhist principles. The Minister expressed his pleasure at the participation of the Thai community in Bhutan.
Kunrey Monastery holds a central place in Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan and is a prominent venue for significant religious and state ceremonies, including the coronation of the King of Bhutan and the welcoming of royal guests. It was also the site of the reception for His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen during their official state visit to Bhutan earlier in 2025.
This year’s Royal Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony is particularly important as it coincides with the official State Visit of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to Bhutan and the upcoming 70th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan, on November 11, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the International Tipitaka Foundation, continues to honor these ties through various cultural initiatives.