Thailand, Bhutan sign three deals - Bangkok Post

Auspicious start: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is welcomed by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during his visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan on Saturday. The Great Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, is a prominent symbol of Bhutan and a major destination for both pilgrims and visitors. (Photo: Government House) Thailand and Bhutan have signed three cooperation agreements covering healthcare, agricultural finance and clean energy as the countries seek to deepen economic ties, expand investment opportunities and promote sustainable development.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also interior minister, witnessed the signing and exchange of the agreements in Thimphu on Saturday during his official visit to the Himalayan kingdom.

Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises said the agreements aim to boost the exchange of knowledge and technology, improve medical services, expand access to finance for farmers and small businesses, and support renewable energy development.

The first memorandum of understanding (MoU), between the Thai and Bhutanese public health ministries, covers universal healthcare, disease prevention and control, medical personnel development and medical research.

It also promotes cooperation in digital healthcare, telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as arrangements for Bhutanese patients to receive treatment at Thai public hospitals.

The second agreement is a renewed MoU between the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and Bhutan Development Bank Ltd (BDBL) covering financial cooperation.

Areas of collaboration include green loans for sustainable agriculture, credit risk assessment, cross-border money transfers and trade in agricultural products and community-based goods. The aim is to improve access to finance for farmers and small enterprises in both countries.

The third document, a record of discussions on clean energy cooperation involving Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), Bhutan's Finance Ministry and Norion Renewable Energy Ltd, provides for technical assistance to review feasibility studies and detailed designs for a proposed 100-megawatt solar-agriculture project in Tareythang, Bhutan.

Mr Ekkapob said the agreements were testament to Thailand's commitment to translating its longstanding relationship with Bhutan into practical benefits for people in both countries.

The signing followed talks between Mr Anutin and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu on Oct 30, during which the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and clean energy.

Both sides welcomed progress on a Thailand-Bhutan free trade agreement (FTA), which they hope will take effect on Jan 1, 2027. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment.