Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan’s development vision, prioritizes happiness and well-being. Introduced by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, it guides Bhutan’s national progress. The GNH Centre Bhutan promotes this philosophy both nationally and internationally.

Since 2016, B.Grimm Joint Venture Holding Limited (BGJVH) in Thailand has collaborated with the GNH Centre Bhutan (GNHCB) to integrate GNH values into their business leadership, vocational education, and sustainable development.

How It All Began: A Meeting of Values 2016-2019

BGJVH, the conglomerate, is founded on the principles of “Doing Business with Compassion”—a value that resonates with GNH. This partnership aligned seamlessly with the mission of the GNH Centre Bhutan which is to empower people through compassion and wisdom towards a mindful and happy society

In 2016, B.Grimm partnered with the GNH Centre Bhutan to establish the first international GNH Centre in Thailand under the blessing of HRH Kesang Chodren Wangchuck. The first Memorandum of Understanding laid the foundation for this unique partnership, with a strong focus on curriculum development, training, and leadership programmes.

This initiative aimed to integrate the concept of GNH into the business world, starting with employee well-being. By prioritizing happiness in the workplace, B.Grimm recognized that increased employee satisfaction leads to higher company productivity and profit performance. In addition, B.Grimm has been developing and practicing an internal training program, Mindful Compassion: A B.Grimm Way, with plans to extend it to other business organizations.

A Vision for the Future: Where We Are Headed

With a 12-year commitment from 2016 to 2027, this journey serves as an example of what is possible when wisdom, leadership, and vision come together, creating a future where success is measured not just in profits, but in the happiness and well-being of all.

The partnership extended in 2025 evolving to include: BGJVH provided business knowledge and management expertise. This renewal marks a dedication and commitment in the international expansion of GNH principles.

The next phase of this partnership will explore working with multinational companies to create business models that prioritize sustainability and happiness. Encouraging more institutions to integrate GNH values into their frameworks and collaborating with global partners to promote the GNH philosophy in other countries.

As Bhutan continues to champion this unique approach to development, Thailand’s embrace of GNH principles is a testament to the universality of happiness as a guiding force for both individuals and institutions.