Anutin joins Bhutan’s Project 108 ceremony as sole foreign leader invitee

GELEPHU, Bhutan — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attended the opening ceremony of Bhutan’s Project 108 in Gelephu on Sunday, as the only foreign leader invited to the landmark event, highlighting close ties and mutual trust between the two countries.

Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, arrived in Gelephu at 09:00 local time (08:00 Thailand time) on 1 November 2026, accompanied by his wife and a Thai delegation, following an invitation from the Bhutanese government.

He was welcomed by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and senior officials, including Interior Minister Lyonpo Lungten Dorji, Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel and Gelephu Mindfulness City Governor Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema later arrived at the ceremony venue. The celebration included the sounding of dungchen, traditional long horns, to mark the construction of the 108 stupas, followed by the singing of Bhutan’s national anthem.

Project 108 is a royal initiative of Bhutan’s fifth king to build 108 Jangchub Chortens, or Stupas of Enlightenment, along the Mao Chhu River near Gelephu. The site is part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a special administrative region being developed as a new model city focused on well-being, sustainability, nature and economic growth.

Each stupa is planned to stand about 15 metres tall, with 108 metres between each structure. The project aims to have all 108 stupas built simultaneously within 24 hours, with the participation of more than 40,000 volunteers.

The ceremony was held on 1 November, coinciding with Lhabab Düchen, an important day in Vajrayana Buddhism, as well as the anniversary of the King’s coronation. The event therefore carries significance in both Bhutan’s religious traditions and its monarchy.

Government spokesperson Aekkapop Pienprasert said Anutin’s visit to Gelephu went beyond attending an important Bhutanese ceremony, offering Thailand an opportunity to participate in a milestone in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and exchange views on sustainable, people-centred urban development.

After the ceremony, Anutin, his wife and a small delegation had an audience with the King and Queen in Gelephu before travelling back to Paro and returning to Thailand on Sunday. They were expected to arrive at around 20:00.