October 22, 2025
THIMPHU – In a solemn and sacred ceremony held yesterday at the Grand Kuenrey Hall of the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, foreign minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, presented the Royal Kathina Robes to monks of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body who completed their annual three-month rainy season retreat.
The robes were offered by His Majesty the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, as part of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
Leading a 28-member delegation, Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was joined at the ceremony by home minister, senior government officials, members of the Central Monastic Body, the Ambassador of Thailand to Bhutan (based in Dhaka), and members of the Thai community residing in Bhutan.
The Royal Kathina Ceremony marks the conclusion of the vassa, or monastic rains retreat, during which monks observe an intensive three-month period of spiritual discipline, study, and meditation.
The event provides laypeople with an opportunity to earn merit by offering robes and other necessities to monks.
Kathina
The Royal Kathina Ceremony apart is that the robes are presented on behalf of the King of Thailand, making the offering both spiritually and symbolically significant. It reflects generosity, unity, and the Thai monarchy’s longstanding support for the Buddhist tradition.
In addition to the robes, the Thai delegation also offered monk bags, medicine, and financial donations. The total contribution included 540,000 Thai Baht, USD 319, and Nu 12,720.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lyonpo Tshering, acknowledged the enduring bond between the two countries, rooted in shared spiritual values and deep respect for their monarchies.
“The deep faith and reverence of the citizens between the two countries have on the institution of monarchy continues to strengthen the friendship,” he said.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also highlighted the significance of this year’s ceremony.
“This year’s Kathina offering is special with special support from the King of Thailand, the Foreign Ministry, and the generous contributions from the people of Thailand, for the preservation of Buddhism by Bhutan,” he said.
He also reflected on the historical ties between the two kingdoms.
“More than three decades ago, the King of Thailand visited Bhutan as the Crown Prince. Over the years, Bhutan and Thailand have favourable relationships with two kingdoms having bilateral trade, exchange of culture and traditions,” he said.
This year’s ceremony in Thimphu continues a tradition that began in 2011, when the Royal Kathina Ceremony was first held at Dechenphodrang Monastery. Eight Bhutanese monks received Royal Kathina robes during that inaugural event. Since then, the ceremony has been observed at various sacred sites including Simtokha Dzong (2013), Pangrizampa College of Astrology (2016), and Kyichu Lhakhang (2018).
Thailand, where nearly 95 percent of the population practices Buddhism, celebrates the Kathina season nationwide with ceremonies held at temples throughout the country. The season begins after the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, typically in October, and lasts for one month.