Buddha statue to Thai King, silk saree to Queen… PM Modi gave these gifts during his Bangkok visit

PM Modi gave many gifts during his Thailand visit

Prime Minister Modi and the Thai King discussed the shared cultural heritage of India and Thailand. They particularly discussed the movement of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India to Thailand and how this initiative will strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. During his visit, PM Modi also gave many gifts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday April 4, 2025 met Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabhimalakshana. The meeting was held at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, where the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Thailand. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and the Thai King exchanged views on India-Thailand’s shared cultural heritage. They particularly discussed the movement of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India to Thailand and how this initiative will strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi concluded his two-day visit to Bangkok and left for Sri Lanka. On this occasion, he presented symbolic gifts of Indian art and culture to the King, Queen, Prime Minister, his wife and former Prime Minister of Thailand.

This gift was given to the King of Thailand

Prime Minister Modi presented King Maha Vajiralongkorn with a magnificent brass Sarnath Buddha statue made in the ancient Gupta and Pala style of Bihar. This statue installed in Dhyana Mudra is a symbol of deep meditation and inner peace. This statue of Buddha sitting in lotus posture expresses wisdom and compassion. The carvings of deities and floral ornaments in its halo give it a divine aura.

Silk Brocade Shawl to the Queen of Thailand

Queen Suthida was presented with the famous brocade silk shawl from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The shawl has beautiful depictions of rural life, divine festivals and nature inspired by Indian miniature painting and Pichwai art. The shawl exudes royal grandeur with its vibrant colours of red, blue, green and yellow along with the elaborate golden border.

Gift to the Prime Minister of Thailand too

Prime Minister Setha Thavisin was presented with a special brass peacock shaped boat made in the ancient metal art ‘Dokra’ style of Chhattisgarh. A tribal sailor is sitting in this boat, which symbolizes the harmony between man and nature. This unique work preserves the Indian tribal heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

Gold-silver cufflinks to wife of Thai Prime Minister

The Thai Prime Minister’s wife was presented with gold plated tiger motif cufflinks adorned with traditional Rajasthani and Gujarati Meenakari art. These cufflinks symbolize courage, leadership and royal dignity, with a strand of pearls adding to its grandeur.

Gift to former PM too

This gift was given to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was presented with a brass urli made in the traditional metal art of Andhra Pradesh. It is decorated with a beautiful peacock and lamp (diya), which is considered a symbol of purity, positivity and prosperity. This is a precious handicraft that enhances the beauty of rituals and festivals in accordance with Indian traditions.