Chula Welcomes Bhutanese King and Queen

On the occasion of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan’s visit to Chulalongkorn University to receive honorary doctoral degrees on December 22, 2025, at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium, the event marked an important chapter in the university’s history. Chulalongkorn University had the honor of welcoming the King and Queen of Bhutan, and the ceremony was conducted with grandeur and elegance befitting their royal status, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended from that day until now. 

One of the most significant ceremonial highlights organized by Chulalongkorn University to welcome the King and Queen of Bhutan—captivating everyone in the auditorium—was the student flag procession paying the highest respect to the monarch and queen of Bhutan. The procession comprised 24 Chulalongkorn University students: 22 faculty flag bearers, 1 Chulalongkorn University flag bearer, and 1 bearer of the Phra Kiao (the university emblem). They entered the auditorium with grace and perfect coordination to the accompaniment of the Maha Chulalongkorn anthem before proceeding to the ceremony whereby Their Majesties were presented with honorary doctoral degrees. 

Although preparation time was limited, the student’s flag procession that appeared before the audience was majestic, beautiful, and worthy of the occasion. This was made possible through the unity and dedication of the students, trainers, and faculty members working behind the scenes with full commitment and determination. 

Assistant Professor Dr. Chanakida Thummanond, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, stated, “The students had just completed a four-day camp, but the lecturers saw their energy and willingness when they immediately volunteered. The selection of students for the flag procession used ‘heart’ as the main criterion. Even if some students had overlapping commitments, as long as their hearts were in it, we were willing to wait until the required number was complete.” 

“I feel proud and deeply fulfilled to have had the honor of serving. This feeling is no different from when I took part in organizing the Chulalongkorn student flag procession for the ceremony of presenting royal patronage academic gowns to His Majesty the King on December 22, 2024. This time, it was a special occasion organized by Chulalongkorn University to welcome the King and Queen of Bhutan, reflecting the long-standing close relationship between the monarchies of the two countries.” 

The trainer responsible for preparing the Chulalongkorn University student flag procession was Mr. Chalerm Suwannaprapha, a trainer and former member of the Royal Thai Navy SEALs. He adapted military-style training to ensure that students would not feel stressed, emphasizing enjoyment during rehearsals and readiness for the actual performance. He also focused on fostering unity, enabling more than 20 students to move as one under the Chulalongkorn University flag. 

“We had only 2–3 days of actual practice, rehearsing the march about 17–18 times. The main challenge was scheduling, as students had other commitments, so we could truly practice together only on Saturday and Sunday evenings. The most important element of the flag procession is the Phra Kiao. Students must hold it high because there is no stand, and it cannot be held below foot level, as it is the royal headdress of the King. The student entrusted with carrying the Phra Kiao high, though tired, felt happy to have the opportunity to do so.” 

Ms. Nattanan Chaiyaphate, a third-year student and student leader from the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, one of the participants in the procession, said: “I feel extremely happy and proud to represent Chulalongkorn University students and the Faculty of Education by carrying the flag before Their Majesties. It is a valuable opportunity given by the university and our lecturers. Even though it was during the semester break and rehearsal time was limited, everyone dedicated their time to practice with full commitment. Despite some difficulties, such as uncomfortable shoes or outfits that were hard to walk in, everyone did their best. This rehearsal brought about friendship and warmth, like being part of a family.” 

“While performing before Their Majesties, I felt very nervous, but I had to stay focused and perform as best as possible to represent my fellow students. After the performance, we stood in line to receive Their Majesties. Along the way, Their Majesties had kind words which they directed towards the students like ‘Thank you, which faculty are you from?’ This showed how much they appreciated the efforts shown by the students, and it made all the exhaustion from waking up at 5 a.m. completely disappear.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Phatpasit Promsri, a first-year student from the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, who participated in the flag procession for the first time, said: “I had no prior experience in marching. During practice, I sometimes stepped out of rhythm or bumped into the person in front of me, but I gradually improved. On the actual day, I was able to march in time without mistakes. Being given the opportunity to perform before Their Majesties was an invaluable and honorable experience I will always relish.” 

Training students for the flag procession required not only coordination but also knowledge of international etiquette and diplomatic protocol. To address this, Mr. Phanthachak Wongprecha, a former diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a graduate of the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, was invited to train the students in international manners. 

Mr. Phanthachak explained: “The training lasted a total of five hours—three hours of lectures and two hours of workshops. The content covered language usage, such as English royal vocabulary, understanding royal titles, duties in welcoming diplomats, the media, and faculty members, etiquette training, and creating a positive first impression through attire, smiles, composure, and nonverbal communication.” 

This training emphasized Royal Protocol, the highest level of protocol (out of three levels: Royal Protocol, State Protocol, and Business Protocol), as the event was highly sensitive and of great importance. During the workshop sessions, detailed practice included kneeling, knee-walking, and carrying ceremonial trays, preparing students for all possible situations. This training enabled students to learn how to be global citizens with proper manners and an understanding of international protocol—an embodiment of Chulalongkorn University’s distinguished grace, learned not only in the classroom but through hands-on experience and collaboration with others. 

“Preparation is like polishing a gemstone. Even though the students already possess quality, training in refined protocol and etiquette enhances their ability to serve as graceful ‘hosts’ on an international level to perfection,” Mr. Phanthachak concluded. 

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/281194/