From 27 to 29 January 2026, Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), led a delegation to attend the Fifth Joint Review Meeting of Thailand–Bhutan Development Cooperation in Thimphu, Bhutan. The meeting reviewed progress under previous development cooperation programmes and discussed the formulation of the Thailand–Bhutan Development Cooperation Programme for 2026–2028. Ms. Pema Chomo, Director of the Department of Bilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan, served as the co-chair.

During the visit, the Director-General paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. D. N. Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan, to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s development efforts. The delegation also conducted site visits to key projects supported by Thailand, including the One Gewog One Product (OGOP) initiative and the development of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) medical services at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.

The Thai delegation additionally held discussions with Mr. Yoichiro Kimata, Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Bhutan, to exchange views on development cooperation in the country. They also received a briefing from Ms. Walaiporn Chainoi, a Thai volunteer who is currently serving in Bhutan under the Friends from Thailand (FFT) volunteer programme in the field of tourism promotion.

This mission was joined by representatives from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), led by Colonel Dr. Saranyu Wiriyawechkul, to further enhance collaborative efforts and operational integration between the two agencies.