Thai king heads to Bhutan for 1st official overseas visit in 8-year rule

Vajiralongkorn avoids visiting major powers to keep relations steady

20250424N Vajiralongkorn REUTERS

Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand's king, is expected to take on a larger role in royal diplomacy. © Reuters

KOSUKE INOUE

BANGKOK -- Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn is traveling to Bhutan on Friday for a four-day stay, marking his first official visit overseas as monarch.

Vajiralongkorn will meet with his counterpart in the South Asian country, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The two kingdoms have built friendly ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989. Vajiralongkorn previously visited Bhutan in the early 1990s when he was crown prince.

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