12 Things to Know About Dasho Tshering Tobgay: Bhutan’s Fourth Prime Minister
Dasho Tshering Tobgay became Bhutan’s fourth Prime Minister after his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), won the 2023–2024 parliamentary elections.
The PDP secured 30 out of 47 seats, while the opposition Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) won 17. With this victory, Tobgay’s PDP formed the new government.
His Majesty The King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, conferred Dakyen to Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his Cabinet Ministers on 28 January 2024.
Tobgay attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.
Dasho is a Bhutanese honorific bestowed by the King, along with a red scarf (kabney), signifying an individual recognised for their service to the country. It is often used for senior government officials or social elites. Dakyen refers to a traditional ceremonial silk scarf, offered as a sign of respect, honour, or blessing.
From Civil Servant to Politician: Tshering Tobgay’s Early Career
Born in 1968, Tshering Tobgay began his public service career in 1991 within the Technical and Vocational Education Section (TVES) of Bhutan's Education Division. He went on to establish and lead the National Technical Training Authority (NTTA). Before entering politics, he served as Director of the Human Resources Department in the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (now renamed the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment, or MoICE) from 2003 to 2007. He resigned from this post in 2007 to enter politics—becoming one of the first civil servants to do so.
Tshering Tobgay’s Early Political Rise
Tobgay was a key founder of Bhutan's first registered political party, the People's Democratic Party. Though the PDP won only two seats in the 2008 elections, one of them was his. When then-party president Sangay Ngedup stepped down in 2009, Tobgay took over, paving the way for his future leadership.
From Opposition to Government: Tobgay's 2013 Rise to PM
Tobgay became Prime Minister in 2013 after leading the PDP to victory with 32 seats in the National Assembly. The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), which secured 15 seats, served as the opposition. He is now serving his second term as Prime Minister, having held the office from 2013 to 2018. Tobgay is the only leader in Bhutanese history to have served as both Opposition Leader (2008–2013) and Prime Minister—giving him unmatched insight into both governance and oversight.
A Historic Pick: Bhutan’s First Female Minister
In a historic move, Tobgay appointed Dorji Choden as Minister for Works and Human Settlement (now the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport). A pioneer in her own right, Choden was Bhutan’s first female engineer and became the country's first female Cabinet Minister. She represented the Thrimshing-Kangpara constituency in Trashigang, eastern Bhutan.
The Unlikely Global Icon
Tobgay has gained international recognition for his visionary environmental policies and charismatic advocacy of Bhutan’s unique development philosophy. As the face of the world’s first carbon-negative country, he won global acclaim through his TED Talks, where he articulated Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and Gross National Happiness (GNH) with clarity and charm.
Bhutan’s First Sitting Prime Minister to Author a Book
Tshering Tobgay made history as Bhutan’s first sitting Prime Minister to publish a book. His debut work, Enlightened Leadership: Inside Bhutan’s Inspiring Transition from Monarchy to Democracy, was launched on 18 February 2024 in Singapore and Malaysia, with its Bhutan release slated for April. Written during the Covid-19 pandemic, the book offers a personal and insightful account of Bhutan’s democratic evolution, blending leadership reflections with the nation’s journey of political transformation.
PM Tobgay’s Language Skills
Fluent in several languages, Tobgay’s native tongue is Dzongkha, which he uses for official duties. He is also proficient in English (frequently used for international engagements such as TED Talks), as well as Hindi and Nepali—languages commonly spoken in Bhutan. In addition, he speaks Tshangla, a dialect widely used in eastern Bhutan. These linguistic skills enable him to connect with both local communities and global audiences.
A Proud DeSuup
Demonstrating his dedication to public service, Tobgay was among the 350 graduates of the 41st Accelerated DeSuung Training Programme on 1 August 2020 at Jigmeling, Sarpang. Initiated by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2011, the DeSuung programme promotes volunteerism, community spirit, and national service.
“De” is derived from Dekyid, meaning peace, and “Suung” means to guard—together, DeSuung means “Guardians of Peace.”
The First Recipient of the Lungmar Scarf
In 2018, His Majesty The King awarded the Lungmar Scarf to Tobgay in recognition of his contributions to Bhutan’s democratic journey during his tenure as Opposition Leader.
The term ‘Lungmar’ comes from lungserma (red-gold) and marp (red). Originally used during the reign of the Third Druk Gyalpo, the scarf has been reinstated and awarded to recognise exceptional service to the nation. It is not tied to any official post, allowing recipients to wear it for life.
Distinguished Leadership Award
On 10 December 2022, Tobgay was honoured with the Distinguished Leadership Award by the United Nations Hospitality Committee for UN Delegations (HCUND) at the “Ambassadors’ Ball Honourees – The 2022 World’s Remarkable Game Changers” in New York. He was recognised alongside eight other global figures for exceptional contributions to conservation, the arts, and humanitarian work. His accolades also include the German Sustainability Award (2016) and being named among the "50 World’s Greatest Leaders" the same year.
‘Acho TT’: A Nickname of Affection
In Bhutan, Tobgay is fondly referred to as “Acho TT.” The term “Acho” means “older brother” in Dzongkha, while “TT” stands for his initials. This affectionate nickname reflects his relatability and the warmth he inspires among the Bhutanese people.
Beyond Politics: Family and Passions
Tobgay is married to Tashi Doma, and the couple has two children—a daughter and a son. Known for his accessible leadership style, he actively engages with the public via social media. He maintained a blog during his time as Opposition Leader and remains active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoys cycling and frequently shares photos of his rides and Bhutan’s scenic beauty online.
