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

GELEPHU, Bhutan — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was the sole foreign dignitary invited to the opening ceremony of Bhutan’s Project 108 in Gelephu on Sunday, underscoring the strong bond between the two nations. The interior minister, who arrived in Gelephu at 09:00 local time (08:00 Thailand time) on November 1, 2026, was accompanied by his wife and a Thai delegation.

Anutin was greeted by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and senior officials, including Interior Minister Lungten Dorji, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel, and Gelephu Mindfulness City Governor Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering. The ceremony featured the ringing of traditional horns, the recitation of Bhutan's national anthem, and the celebration of Lhabab Düchen, a significant Buddhist holiday.

Project 108, a royal initiative of Bhutan's fifth king, aims to construct 108 stupas along the Mao Chhu River as part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a model city focusing on well-being, sustainability, nature, and economic growth. Each stupa will stand approximately 15 meters tall, with 108 meters separating them. The project seeks to build all 108 stupas simultaneously within 24 hours with over 40,000 volunteers.

The event, which took place on Lhabab Düchen and the King's coronation anniversary, offered Thailand a chance to engage in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and discuss sustainable, people-centered urban planning. Following the ceremony, Anutin and his delegation met with the King and Queen before returning to Paro and subsequently traveling back to Thailand around 20:00.