Jigme Yoser Thinley, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Bhutan, has had a long and distinguished career in both politics and civil service. Prior to his time as Prime Minister, he held various senior positions within the Royal Government of Bhutan, including in the Department of Home Affairs. He also served as the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home and Cultural Affairs. In addition, he represented Bhutan at the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. With his numerous accomplishments, he has been honored with the Red Scarf, the Orange Scarf, and the title of Dasho.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Lyonchen Jigme Yoser Thinley, Jigme Yoser Thinley
- Age: 71 Years, 71 Year Old Males
- Education: Pennsylvania State University
- Occupation: Prime Minister, Political Leader
Childhood & Early Life
Thinley was born on September 9, 1952, in Chhokhor valley in the district of Bumthang. He came from an influential family in Bhutan that had close ties to the royals and had served the monarchy since its establishment. His father worked as an official in the Royal Secretariat and moved to Thimphu when the capital was shifted from Punakha to Thimphu. Thinley began his primary education in Bhutanese language, but later studied in Hindi and English at Dechenchholing. He then attended Dr. Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong, India, where he displayed strong leadership skills. He became the School Captain and was elected as President of the Youth Club. He also excelled in sports and other extracurricular activities, earning the All Round Best Boy Award.
After completing school, Thinley studied at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, India, where he graduated in 1974. During his time in college, he attended the coronation ceremony of Jigme Singye, the fourth King of Bhutan, which marked the beginning of his close association with the monarchy. It was the King who appointed Thinley to the civil service to look after palace affairs. In 1975, Thinley went to the United States for further studies, sponsored by the Bhutan government. He obtained a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and also studied manpower planning and management at Manchester University in England.
Career
Thinley began his career in civil service in Bhutan in 1976. Although the first few years were not very successful, he started to rise in his career during the 1980s. In February 1987, he was conferred the title of ‘Dasho’ and awarded the ‘Red Scarf’. He served as the Eastern Zone administrator in 1990 and was promoted to the rank of secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1992. In January 1994, he became the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. Later that year, he was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations office in Geneva.
In July 1998, Thinley became the Prime Minister of Bhutan for a one-year term during the pre-democratic period. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as the Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs. He received the ‘Druk Thuksey’ from the King of Bhutan in recognition of his contributions to the development of the country. He also served as Prime Minister for a second one-year term from August 2003 to August 2004, prior to the democratic transformation of Bhutan.
In March 2008, Thinley led the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa party in the first democratic election of Bhutan. His party won 45 out of 47 seats in the National Assembly, making him the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Bhutan. He served in this position from April 2008 to April 2013. During his tenure, he focused on the concept of Gross National Happiness and implemented policies and programs based on this notion. He also enforced the tenth five-year plan of Bhutan.
Personal Life & Legacy
Thinley is married to Rinsy Dem and they have a son named Palden Thinley, who is married to one of the princesses of the palace of Bhutan. Thinley has been involved in various international organizations and has attended numerous seminars, conferences, and meetings, including addressing the United Nations General Assembly. He has received honors and recognition for his contributions to the development of Bhutan.