A Journey from Bhutan to ASEAN

Abstract

Oh…King Jigme". This is the response I always get from Thai people when I answer their question about where I am from. If you are a Thai and you are reading this, you must have already figured it out. For those who are still confused and uncertain about what I am trying to convey, all I am trying to say is that I come from Bhutan. Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom sandwiched between two giants, China in the north and India in the south. Bhutan is sometimes called the Last Shangri-La which is translated to "the last paradise". Bhutan is known to outside world for four reasons: firstly, its religion (Mahayana Buddhism) and culture, secondly its pristine environment, thirdly its unique GNH (Gross National Happiness) concept which puts people's happiness before the economic growth and finally our monarch, His