On 5^th January 2024, Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) met with H.E. Mr. Kin Zang Dorji, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the Kingdom of Thailand. Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Di rector-General of TICA, Ms. Chidchanok Malayawong, Director of Development Promotion and Coordination Division and officers from the Embassy and TICA were also present at the meeting at Reception Room 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Both sides discussed potential collaboration to strengthen capacity building of the Bhutan Tshar Institute under the Tarayana Foundation, founded by Her Majesty Queen Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan. The institute aims to generate employment opportunities, income and improving living standards for Bhutanese rural community, through the cultivation and development of bamboo products. The Director-General reiterated Thailand’s readiness to support the Institute through activities, such as inviting staff and officials from the Institute to attend an international workshop on the development of highland agriculture that the Royal Project Foundation and TICA will co-host between 5 - 9 February 2024 at the Doi Inthanon Royal Project, Chiang Mai Province and organizing a study visit on bamboo products development in Thailand, according to the Ambassador’s request.  The Director-General also suggested knowledge exchange with Thai experts in the form of “Training of the Trainers” in Bhutan.

Both sides appreciated the concrete outcomes under the Thailand and Bhutan development cooperation project such as OGOP (One Gewog One Product) project and training of medical professionals on kidney transplant techniques for Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.  The Director-General re-affirmed Thailand’s continuing support to Bhutan including Queen’s project Parabola Dome at Yangtse Gewog, Master’s degree and training fellowships under the Human Resources Development Programme as well as Thai volunteers through Friends from Thailand (FFT) programme to the benefits of people.