Celebrated annually on September 19, Nepal's National Day commemorates the adoption of the 2015 Constitution and is a significant event. This date represents the nation's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a federal democratic republic. A secular, inclusive, and multi-party political system was one of the many extensive reforms brought about by the 2015 Constitution, which superseded the 1990 Constitution. The day is used to commemorate Nepal's rich cultural legacy and historical achievements as well as to consider the country's advancements and difficulties in achieving political stability, sound governance, and nation-building.
National leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public attended a variety of cultural events and government ceremonies as part of the 2025 National Day celebrations. These incidents served as a reminder of Nepal's commitment to justice, equality, and freedom as well as its democratic goals. The nation's pluralistic society was reflected in the participation of citizens from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds in the festivities. In addition to celebrating the Constitution's adoption, this event represents the aspiration for sustained national progress and unity despite the ongoing political shifts.
Over the past several decades, Nepal and Thailand have developed a deep and longstanding relationship, underpinned by mutual respect and cooperation. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established as early as 1956. Over the years, these relations have grown, particularly in trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and education. In recent years, both countries have taken significant steps to further strengthen these ties.
One of the key areas of collaboration between Nepal and Thailand is in trade and investment. Thailand, with its strong economy and strategic position in Southeast Asia, has become an important trade partner for Nepal. The trade relationship has expanded across sectors, including agriculture, energy, and textiles. Both nations continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Both governments have signalled a strong commitment to enhancing investment flows and joint ventures that benefit both economies.
In terms of tourism, Thailand remains one of Nepal's most important international partners. Thai tourists have long been drawn to Nepal's iconic natural beauty, religious landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. Likewise, Nepal has become an attractive destination for Thai travellers seeking adventure, spiritual experiences, and cultural immersion. Nepal's majestic Himalayan mountain range, with its renowned trekking routes such as the Everest Base Camp, draws thousands of Thai tourists every year. Furthermore, the religious and historical connections between the two countries, especially through Buddhism, have helped foster strong people-to-people ties.
In 2025, both Nepal and Thailand made substantial progress in strengthening bilateral ties, with the signing of multiple agreements aimed at fostering greater collaboration. One of the highlights of the year was the visit of Nepal's Prime Minister to Thailand, marking the first official state visit in 65 years. During this visit, the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, trade, and higher education. A significant Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Thailand's Tourism Council to facilitate business ventures and joint tourism promotions. This partnership is expected to boost both inbound and outbound tourism, benefiting hotels, travel agencies, and hospitality services in both countries.
Additionally, Nepal and Thailand agreed to explore opportunities in renewable energy and digital technology. As both countries face the challenge of promoting sustainable growth, collaboration in these areas holds immense promise. Joint ventures in solar and hydropower projects, for example, have been discussed, as well as the adoption of digital platforms to enhance trade and communication between businesses in both nations. Thailand has also shown interest in Nepal's growing information technology sector, which presents new opportunities for startups, innovation, and skills development.
Despite the celebrations, Nepal's political climate in 2025 has been anything but stable. Recent weeks saw widespread protests across major cities like Kathmandu, driven by opposition groups calling for political reforms and greater accountability from the government. The unrest was sparked by issues such as corruption, governance inefficiencies, and calls for transparency. These protests were mostly peaceful but led to disruptions in public transportation, essential services, and commerce. While the government has sought to address these issues through dialogues with opposition parties, the unrest continues to pose challenges for Nepal's domestic stability.
For Thailand, as a close diplomatic and economic partner, the political unrest in Nepal is of significant concern. The demonstrations have underscored the importance of monitoring regional stability, as Thai businesses and tourists are present in Nepal. In response to the political upheaval, the Thai government has issued travel advisories, urging its citizens to exercise caution and stay informed about the situation through official channels. These developments remind both countries of the fragile nature of political transitions and the importance of maintaining a stable environment for foreign investment and tourism.
While Nepal's tourism sector has been a crucial contributor to the national economy, the ongoing political instability has affected tourist arrivals. The protests, coupled with the global economic slowdown, led to a decline in visitor numbers during the peak tourist season. The disruption of transportation services and temporary curfews in certain areas has created concerns for travellers, both international and domestic.
However, the Nepali government has made efforts to assure tourists of their safety. Nepal's tourism authorities have emphasised that most tourist sites, including trekking routes and cultural heritage sites, remain open and accessible to visitors. These efforts are aimed at reassuring the international community that Nepal remains a safe and welcoming destination. Despite the political turmoil, the government remains committed to restoring tourism to pre-crisis levels by focusing on safety, infrastructure, and improved services for travellers.
Looking toward the future, both Nepal and Thailand are determined to continue enhancing their bilateral relationship, regardless of political and economic challenges. The growing cooperation in trade, tourism, and education represents a solid foundation for further strengthening their ties. In particular, initiatives in renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure offer tremendous potential for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths for mutual benefit.
Nepal's ongoing efforts to improve governance, stabilise its political environment, and expand its democratic institutions are likely to shape the trajectory of its foreign relations in the years to come. As Nepal navigates its political landscape, the partnership with Thailand will remain an important pillar of its international relations.
Nepal's 2025 National Day provided an important opportunity to consider the nation's political development and democratic accomplishments. Nepal and Thailand have a stronger relationship despite political upheaval, and both countries are dedicated to expanding their cooperation in a number of areas. The future of Nepal-Thailand relations looks promising as Nepal advances, with prospects for ongoing cooperation, understanding, and prosperity.