Government: FIRST

Party: Druk Phuensum Tshogpa

Took Office: January 24, 2008

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley was born in Bhutan in 1952, he holds the distinction of being Bhutan’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, serving from 2008 to 2013. He pursued higher education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, earning an honors degree, and later obtained a Master’s degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University in 1976.

Under Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley stewardship, Bhutan actively engaged in international dialogues on sustainable development. His government committed to maintaining carbon neutrality at COP 15 in Copenhagen and hosted the “Climate Summit for a Living Himalayas” in 2011, highlighting Bhutan’s proactive stance on environmental conservation.

Lyonchhen is a recipient of many national and international awards including his country’s highest civilian decoration.