Bangkok | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had an audience with Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana here.
During the meeting that took place at the Dusit Palace here, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the multifaceted ties between Thailand and India.
They exchanged views on shared cultural heritage between India and Thailand. In this context, they spoke about the relics of Lord Buddha which travelled from India to Thailand last year and the positive impact the initiative has had in further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his two-day visit to Bangkok and left for a visit to Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister gifted the King a brass statue of Sarnath Buddha in Dhyan Mudra.
Originating from Bihar, the statue reflects the Gupta and Pala art traditions with its serene expression, intricately detailed robe, and iconic lotus pedestal.
For Queen Suthida, the Prime Minister gifted a brocade silk shawl from Varanasi, which represents India's rich weaving tradition.
Crafted from the finest silk, it features intricate motifs depicting village life, divine celebrations, and nature, inspired by Indian miniature and Pichwai art.
The Prime Minister gifted a dokra brass peacock boat with tribal rider which is a stunning example of traditional Indian metal craft, originating from the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh to his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Made using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, each piece is handcrafted and unique.
The sculpture features a peacock-shaped boat, symbolizing grace and cultural imagination, with intricate patterns and colourful lacquer inlays. A tribal rider, calmly rowing, represents the harmony between humans and nature, a central theme in Dokra art.
For the Thai prime minister’s spouse, Modi chose gold-plated tiger motif cufflinks with pearls.
Featuring a majestic tiger face, the cufflinks symbolise courage, leadership, and royalty and its intricate meenakari work, a heritage craft from Rajasthan and Gujarat, adds vibrant enamel detailing, reflecting India’s rich jewellery traditions.
For former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Modi chose to gift a brass urli with a peacock and diya from Andhra Pradesh, which is a masterpiece of traditional brass craftsmanship, symbolising purity, positivity, and abundance.
Traditionally used for rituals and festive decorations, urli is often filled with water, flowers, or floating candles, while the diya (oil lamp) enhances its spiritual significance.