Famous Bhutanese People

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is Druk Gyalpo or "Dragon King" of the Kingdom of Bhutan. He is the son of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who abdicated the throne in his favor in 2006. As the king, he began overseeing the democratization of Bhutan and has implemented several reforms to improve the standard of living in his country. 

Jetsun Pema, the Bhutanese “Dragon Queen” and the wife of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is the world’s youngest queen consort. A descendant of a Bhutanese noble family, Pema was educated in India and London, and excelled in basketball. A national style icon, she is often compared to Princess Diana.

The Dragon King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had a major role in modernizing his tiny Himalayan country. In his 20-year reign, he built countless roads, schools, and hospitals. He also secured financial aid from India and other Asian countries. An avid reader, he also loved hunting and gardening.

Ugyen Wangchuck reigned as the first king of Bhutan from 1907 until his death in 1926. He is remembered for his efforts to unite Bhutan and gain the trust of his subjects. Wangchuck is credited with founding the Buddhist monarchy in 1907. A spiritual person who had close relationships with spiritual masters, Wangchuck oversaw the construction of the Kurjey temple.

The Ronaldo of Bhutan, Chencho Gyeltshen has made a name for himself as Bhutan’s all-time top goal-scorer in football, with nine international goals. Apart from participating in the Bhutan National League, he has also captained Druk United in the Thimphu League and been part of the Indian I-League.

Former prime minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay co-founded the People's Democratic Party. He has also been the opposition leader of Bhutan for 5 years. Educated in Kalimpong in India, Tobgay also boasts of a master’s degree from Harvard University. A TED speaker, he advocates for Gross National Happiness.

Jigme Thinley is a Bhutanese politician who served as the country's prime minister from 2008 to 2013. The recipient of several prestigious honors, such as the Druk Thuksey medal, Coronation medal, and Druk Wangyal medal, Jigme Thinley has been an important politician for Bhutan over the years. 

Khandu Wangchuk is a Bhutanese political figure best known for his service as the Prime Minister of Bhutan on two occasions; from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2007. An important political leader, Khandu Wangchuk also served as the Foreign Minister of Bhutan from 2003 to 2007.

Sonam Tobgye is a Bhutanese jurist who served as the Chief Justice in the Bhutanese High Court between 1991 and 2009. He also served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Bhutan between 2010 and 2014. From April to July 2013, Sonam Tobgye also served as the Chief Advisor of Bhutan.

Jigme Palden Dorji was a Bhutanese politician best remembered for his service as the first Prime Minister of Bhutan from 1952 to 1964. Jigme Palden Dorji brought about many changes in Bhutan, which antagonized the religious institutions and the military. Consequently, he was assassinated on 6 April 1964 at the age of 44.

Dechen Wangmo is a Bhutanese politician and the current Minister for Health. She is best known as a founding member of a non profit organization called Bhutan Cancer Society. Dechen Wangmo is also known for her service as the director of PIE Solutions.

Kinzang Dorji is a Bhutanese politician best known for his service as the Prime Minister of Bhutan on two occasions between 2002 and 2008. An important politician, Kinzang Dorji has also held other prominent positions, including the office of the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement.

Mayeum Choying Wangmo Dorji is best remembered for designing the national flag of Bhutan. A deeply religious person, Mayeum Choying Wangmo Dorji chose the colors orange and yellow for the flag as they represent Buddhism. She is also remembered as the mother of Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Grandmother of Bhutan.

Lhendup Dorji was a Bhutanese political leader best remembered for his service as the Acting Prime Minister of Bhutan from 25 July to 27 November 1964. A member of the famous Dorji family, Lhendup Dorji was also an avid hunter and excelled in tennis, golf, and boxing.

Neten Zangmo is a Bhutanese politician best known for her service as the head of Bhutan's Anti-Corruption Commission. Referred to as the Iron Lady of Bhutan, Zangmo embarked on a relentless anti-corruption campaign, which earned her the title of Dasho. Neten Zangmo was also an important member of the Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party before leaving the party in 2018.

Sangay Ngedup is a Bhutanese politician best known for his service as the Prime Minister of Bhutan on two occasions between 1999 and 2006. In 1998, he was honored by His Majesty the King with the prestigious Orange Scarf. In 2015, Sangay Ngedup received excellence in public health award from the World Health Organization. 

Yeshey Zimba is a Bhutanese political leader best known for his service as the Prime Minister of Bhutan on two occasions; from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2004 to 2005. Yeshey Zimba has also held other prominent positions, including the office of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Works and Human Settlement. 

Kezang Wangmo is a Bhutanese actress, politician, singer, poet, and dancer. She is best known for her performance in Sem Gi Damtse, which earned her the National Award for Best Female Lead Actor. Prior to achieving fame as an actress, Kezang Wangmo had established herself as a popular singer by releasing her hit song, A La La Ngi Sem.

Lily Wangchuk is a Bhutanese activist, diplomat, and politician. A prominent political leader, Wangchuk became the first woman from Bhutan to be chosen as president of a political party in 2012. Lily Wangchuk started her career as a diplomat and won the Lions Club Award for Outstanding Diplomat in 2003 for her work that improved Bhutan's relations with India.

Ashi Tashi Dorji is a Bhutanese political figure. A much-loved woman in Bhutan, Tashi is best known as the grand-aunt of the current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and as the sister of Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden. Over the years, Ashi Tashi Dorji has played an important role in the cultural life and international relations of Bhutan.

Dil Maya Rai is a Bhutanese political figure who has been an important member of the National Assembly since 31 October 2018. She worked as a social development specialist before entering politics. Dil Maya Rai is best known for her association with a popular political party named Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa.

Dorji Choden is a Bhutanese politician who became the first woman to take on the role of a minister in Bhutanese cabinet in 2013, when she was appointed minister of the country's Works and Human Settlement Ministry. Choden was also the first woman engineer from Bhutan as she began her career in the Public Works Department as an assistant engineer.

Lhaki Dolma is a Bhutanese politician and actress. She is best known for her performance in her debut film Chepai Bu, which earned her the Best Actress Award at the 2002 National Film Awards. She won the award again in 2009 for her performance in the 2008 film Seday. Lhaki Dolma is counted among the most sought-after actresses in Bhutan.