The Prime Minister of Bhutan, officially known as the Lyonchhen, holds the highest executive authority in the democratic governance structure of Bhutan. As the head of government, the Prime Minister plays a vital role in shaping national policy, overseeing the day-to-day administration, and representing the country both domestically and internationally. The office is responsible for coordinating between the ministries, implementing national plans, promoting socio-economic development, and ensuring good governance.
Ugyen Dorji (1855–1916) was Bhutan’s first Chief Minister (Gongzim) and a key advisor to King Ugyen Wangchuck. He played a crucial role in modernizing Bhutan and establishing diplomatic ties with British India. His leadership laid the foundation for Bhutan’s governance during the early 20th century.
Sonam Topgay Dorji (1896–1953) was a prominent Bhutanese statesman who served as Chief Minister (Gongzim) under King Jigme Wangchuck. Known for his diplomatic skills, he played a key role in modernizing Bhutan and managing foreign relations, particularly with British India. He was part of the influential Dorji family.
Jigme Palden Dorji (1919–1964) was Bhutan’s first Prime Minister, appointed in 1952. A reformist leader, he introduced modernization policies and strengthened Bhutan’s foreign relations. His progressive stance often clashed with conservative factions. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1964, marking a turning point in Bhutan’s political evolution.
Lhendup Dorji (1935–2007) briefly served as the Acting Prime Minister of Bhutan from July to November 1964 after the assassination of his brother, Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji. A member of the influential Dorji family, he played a transitional role in Bhutan’s political evolution during a critical period.
Jigme Thinley (born-1952) is a Bhutanese politician and diplomat who served as the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Bhutan from 2008 to 2013. Known for promoting Gross National Happiness globally, he also held office in earlier interim governments, playing a key role in Bhutan’s democratic transition.
Sangay Ngedup (born-1953) is a Bhutanese politician and former Prime Minister who served two terms (1999–2000, 2005–2006). A member of the royal family, he played a vital role in Bhutan’s transition to democracy. He also promoted Gross National Happiness as a development philosophy.
Yeshey Zimba (1952–2024) was a Bhutanese politician who served twice as Prime Minister of Bhutan. A key figure in Bhutan’s transition toward democracy, he also held roles as Minister of Finance and Trade. Zimba contributed significantly to economic planning and public administration, shaping Bhutan’s modern governance structure.
Khandu Wangchuk (born-1950) is a Bhutanese politician who served twice as Prime Minister of Bhutan, from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2007. A seasoned diplomat, he also held ministerial portfolios, including foreign affairs and economic affairs, contributing significantly to Bhutan’s modernization and governance reforms.
Kinzang Dorji (born-1951) is a Bhutanese politician who served twice as Prime Minister of Bhutan—from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2008. A dedicated civil servant, he also held key ministerial roles and contributed to Bhutan’s political transition and administrative reforms.
Sonam Tobgye (born-1949) is a prominent Bhutanese jurist and former Chief Justice of Bhutan. He served as the Chief Advisor of the interim government from April to July 2013, overseeing the transition between elected administrations. Tobgye played a key role in Bhutan’s judicial and democratic reforms.
Tshering Tobgay (born-1965) is a Bhutanese politician and current Prime Minister since January 2024, previously serving from 2013 to 2018. Leader of the People’s Democratic Party, he emphasizes sustainable development, good governance, and youth employment. A strong advocate for Gross National Happiness.
Tshering Wangchuk (born 1963) is a Bhutanese jurist and former Chief Justice who briefly served as the interim Prime Minister (Chief Advisor) of Bhutan from August to November 2018, overseeing the transitional government before elections. His leadership was marked by neutrality and a commitment to Bhutan’s democratic process.
Lotay Tshering (1969–) is a Bhutanese politician and urologist who served as the Prime Minister of Bhutan from 2018 to 2023. A member of the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, he focused on healthcare reform, youth employment, and balanced economic development. He is known for combining medical ethics with political leadership.
Chogyal Dago Rigdzin (born 1966) is a Bhutanese civil servant who served as the Chief Advisor of Bhutan from November 2023 to January 2024, leading the interim government during the general elections. A seasoned bureaucrat, he played a stabilizing role in Bhutan’s democratic transition during his brief tenure.
Bhutan transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008, making the Prime Minister the chief executive of the country under the newly adopted Constitution. While the King of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) remains the head of state and a symbol of unity and continuity, the Prime Minister and the elected government have authority over legislative and administrative matters.
Although Bhutan had chief ministers (called Gongzim) in earlier times — such as Ugyen Dorji and Sonam Topgay Dorji — the modern office of Prime Minister was formally established in 1952, when Jigme Palden Dorji became the first person to be officially designated as Prime Minister under the monarch’s authority.
However, it was not until 2008, with the adoption of Bhutan’s first democratic Constitution, that the role of the Prime Minister was defined within a democratic electoral framework. The first democratically elected Prime Minister under the 2008 Constitution was Jigme Thinley.
Since then, Bhutan has held regular elections every five years, and the Prime Minister has become a central figure in guiding the nation’s democratic journey while maintaining harmony with the monarchy.
Jigme Palden Dorji was Bhutan’s first official Prime Minister, appointed in 1952. He played a crucial role in modernizing the Bhutanese administration and advocated for progressive reforms. He pushed for educational and infrastructure development. However, his reformist agenda clashed with traditional power structures, leading to his assassination in 1964. His death marked a turbulent period in Bhutan’s political history.
Jigme Thinley is a pivotal figure in Bhutan’s democratic history. He served as Prime Minister multiple times: in 1998, 2003–2004, and most notably from 2008 to 2013 as the first elected PM under the new Constitution. A member of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), he emphasized Gross National Happiness (GNH), sustainable development, and global diplomacy. Thinley’s leadership placed Bhutan on the global map for its unique approach to governance focused on happiness and spiritual well-being.
Tshering Tobgay, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), served as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2018 and returned to the post in January 2024. Known for his pragmatic governance, Tobgay focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, youth employment, and environmental conservation. A skilled communicator, he is internationally recognized for promoting Bhutan’s commitment to carbon neutrality and clean development.
List of Prime Ministers of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering, a medical surgeon turned politician, led Bhutan as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2023. Representing the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT), his leadership was marked by public health reforms, digital modernization, and continued emphasis on national happiness. His hands-on approach and compassionate demeanor gained him widespread popularity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister of Bhutan plays a vital role in balancing modern governance with Bhutan’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions. From its early origins in monarchy-driven appointments to today’s democratic elections, the office has evolved significantly. Figures like Jigme Palden Dorji, Jigme Thinley, Tshering Tobgay, and Lotay Tshering have each shaped the nation in different eras—upholding Bhutan’s unique identity while steering it through modernization and global engagement.
As Bhutan continues its democratic journey, the Prime Minister remains a symbol of accountable leadership and national progress, working closely with the monarchy to ensure peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the Bhutanese people.