Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck sharing personal stories of Thailand's influence during honorary doctorate ceremony at the prestigious Bangkok university. - The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: In a deeply personal and moving address at Chulalongkorn University, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan shared intimate reflections on his lifelong connection with Thailand, recalling how Thai green curries sustained him as a homesick student and praising the nation's unique blend of Buddhist compassion and warrior spirit.
Speaking after receiving an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Development Studies on Monday (Dec 22), the Bhutanese monarch captivated academics, officials, and students with stories that ranged from his student days searching for comfort food in Boston and London to profound lessons learnt from observing Thailand's beloved King Rama IX.
"When I was a young student, first in America and then in England, I was like many students far from home – often homesick," the King recalled.
"There were no Bhutanese restaurants. Not in Boston, not in London, not anywhere. And then I discovered Thai food. The spice, the rice, the warmth. It was not quite Bhutan, but it was close. It was my comfort food."
The King described how every Thai restaurant felt like "a small piece of home", adding with characteristic warmth: "I cannot tell you how many green curries saved me during those years."
He recounted a presentation by a Thai classmate during his student days that left a lasting impression. The classmate described Thailand as a Buddhist country steeped in daily practice, with temples across the nation and monks walking barefoot at dawn. But then came an unexpected turn.
"She said, 'But our national sport is Muay Thai.' Kickboxing. The room went quiet," the King recalled. "She smiled and asked, 'What does this mean?' Then she answered her own question. It means that we are compassionate, but we are not weak. We are peaceful, but we are not passive."
The King reflected: "I've never forgotten those words. That beautiful paradox – Buddhist compassion and warrior spirit – defines Thailand. And it is a combination that will serve this nation well for centuries to come."
The King paid heartfelt tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) and Queen Suthida, praising the King's strength and dedication to Thailand's welfare.
"His Majesty carries a weight that few can understand – to follow one of the most loved monarchies in the world whilst charting his own path of service," he said. "I've watched His Majesty closely: the dignity with which he serves, his dedication to education, healthcare and development, his tireless work to improve the lives of ordinary citizens."
He also spoke movingly of Queen Suthida, drawing parallels with advice his own father once gave him about service.
"I see that in Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, standing firmly beside His Majesty, serving him and through him her nation and her people," he said.
The Bhutanese King expressed profound gratitude for the Thai royal couple's historic state visit to Bhutan earlier this year – their first abroad since King Rama X's accession.
"Of all the nations in the world, large and small, near and far, His Majesty chose Bhutan. I cannot overstate what this meant to us," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "From Paro to Thimphu, from the mountains to the valleys, every Bhutanese knew: this was history."
He spoke at length about the profound influence of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), whom he had the privilege of observing during his formative years as Crown Prince.
"He walked rice paddies, he visited remote villages, he spoke to farmers and fishermen, not as a distant monarch, but as someone who genuinely wanted to understand their problems and solve them," the King said.
"His royal development projects changed millions of lives. The sufficiency economy philosophy offered the world a model for sustainable development."
King Rama IX reigned for 70 years, and the Bhutanese King credited him as one of his greatest teachers, alongside his own father.
"I learnt more from watching him than I can put into words. His influence on my own reign is profound, and I remain eternally grateful."
In a touching moment, he recalled his first major international appearance in 2006 at King Rama IX's 60th anniversary celebrations, when he was still Crown Prince.
"The Thai people saw me, and they did something extraordinary that touched me deeply," he said. "They did not call me the Crown Prince of Bhutan or the representative from Bhutan. They called me Prince Jigme – my name. I said, 'I am your family.'"
The King's voice grew emotional as he continued: "Since that day, the Thai people have shown me, and Bhutan, nothing but kindness, warmth and support, year after year without fail. I've never had the right moment to say what I've always wanted to say. Today, I have that moment. So let me say it: Thank you, Thailand."
He pledged to spend the rest of his life reciprocating Thailand's friendship: "Whatever I can do for Thailand within my capacity, I will do it. Your friendship has meant the world to me, and I hope my friendship means something to you."
The King highlighted the rare bond between Thailand and Bhutan as two of the few nations never colonised.
"While empires conquered and divided, Thailand remained free through the wisdom of King Mongkut, the brilliance of King Chulalongkorn, and successive great leaders – and most importantly, the resilience of the Thai people."
He praised Thailand's pragmatism and instinct for balance, qualities he believes will carry the nation far into the future.
"What I admire most is Thailand's sensibility – the wisdom to know when to bend and when to stand firm. This pragmatism, this instinct for balance, has kept Thailand stable whilst others have stumbled."
The ceremony at Chulalongkorn University Auditorium and Maha Chulalongkorn Building saw both the King and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck receive honorary doctorates.
Professor Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, presented the citation recognising the King's unwavering dedication to Bhutan's wellbeing through sustainable development, disaster preparedness, royal development projects focused on youth, and support for democratic governance.
Queen Jetsun received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology and Anthropology for her devoted advocacy in health and wellbeing, equality, conservation and sustainable development. The Queen has championed causes including mental health support, environmental conservation, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Professor Dr Surakiart cited the King's expansion of the royal Kidu tradition, establishment of the Desuung volunteer force comprising nearly 50,000 members, and creation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City – a visionary initiative harmonising economic growth with mindfulness and environmental sustainability.
The university announced 10 scholarships for Bhutanese students, with five presented to each of the royal couple.
Following the ceremony, the King and Queen paid respects before the portrait of King Chulalongkorn at Maha Chulalongkorn Building and attended a luncheon hosted by the university before proceeding to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society.
The visit underscores the deep-rooted friendship between the two kingdoms and Chulalongkorn University's commitment to academic excellence, cultural exchange and international cooperation. - The Nation/ANN
