In a deeply personal and moving address at Chulalongkorn University, His Majesty 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, 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,” His Majesty 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.”

The Buddhist Warrior Paradox

His Majesty 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.