His Majesty the King has conferred the prestigious Druk Thuksey Medal on Thai entrepreneurs Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp and Dr. Nathawat Ahriyavraromp in recognition of their contributions to the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative. The award highlights the couple’s growing role in supporting Bhutan’s vision of a development model that blends spiritual values with sustainable innovation.
The honour acknowledges the pair’s ongoing collaboration with the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, an initiative designed to integrate mindfulness, environmental stewardship and economic growth. The city is envisioned as a unique space where technology and nature coexist, reflecting Bhutan’s broader commitment to holistic development.
Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp, widely known as Khun B, is the founder of Magnolias Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC). She has built a reputation as a business leader who prioritises social impact and environmental responsibility. Under her leadership, MQDC has taken on a central role in the project, serving as the program management lead and strategic partner while working closely with the GMC Authority.
Her husband, Dr. Nathawat Ahriyavraromp, founder and chief executive of T&B Media Global, has also played an active role. A creative entrepreneur with a background in media and storytelling, he has expressed strong support for the project’s long-term vision, sharing his wife’s belief in Bhutan’s potential to create a model city that balances cultural values with future-focused innovation.
Following the ceremony, the couple conveyed deep gratitude for the royal recognition, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting His Majesty’s vision and contributing to the well-being of the Bhutanese people through the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The GMC project has drawn international attention for its attempt to redefine urban growth by combining spiritual mindfulness with modern infrastructure and sustainable economic planning. With partners from across the region, Bhutan aims to establish a new benchmark for cities that prioritise human well-being alongside prosperity.
Observers say the recognition of the Ahriyavraromps reflects the importance of cross-border collaboration in bringing the project to life, as Bhutan continues to explore innovative pathways toward development rooted in its unique philosophy.
