Jigme Thinley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jigme Thinley
འཇིགས་མེད་འོད་ཟེར་འཕྲིན་ལས
Thinley in 2012
2nd Prime Minister of Bhutan
In office 9 April 2008 – 28 April 2013
Monarch	Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Preceded by	Kinzang Dorji
Succeeded by	Sonam Tobgye (as Chief Advisor)
In office 30 August 2003 – 18 August 2004
Monarch	Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Preceded by	Khandu Wangchuk
Succeeded by	Yeshey Zimba
In office 20 July 1998 – 9 July 1999
Monarch	Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Preceded by	Jigme Palden Dorji
Succeeded by	Sangay Ngedup
Personal details
Born	(1952-09-09) 9 September 1952 (age 72) Bumthang, Bhutan
Political party	Independent (Before 2007) Peace and Prosperity Party (2007–present)
Spouse	Aum Rinsy Dem ​ (died 2018)​
Children	3
Alma mater	Pennsylvania State University, St. Stephen's College, Delhi

Lyonpo Jigme Yoser Thinley (born September 9, 1952) is a well-known politician from Bhutan. He served as the Prime Minister of Bhutan three times. He was Prime Minister from July 1998 to July 1999, then from August 2003 to August 2004, and finally from April 2008 to April 2013. He played a big part in Bhutan's journey towards democracy.

Early Life and Career

Jigme Thinley was born in Bumthang, a beautiful place in Bhutan. He went to college and earned degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in the United States and St. Stephen's College, Delhi in India.

After finishing his studies, he joined the government's public service in 1976. This means he started working for the country.

Rising Through the Ranks

Jigme Thinley quickly became an important person in the government.

• In 1987, he received a special title called Dasho and a Red Scarf. These are honors in Bhutan.
• By 1990, he was in charge of the Eastern Zone of Bhutan.
• In 1992, he became a secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• In 1994, he was made Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and received an Orange Scarf, another high honor.
• Later in 1994, he became Bhutan's representative to the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. This meant he spoke for Bhutan on the world stage.

Becoming Prime Minister

Before Bhutan became a full democracy, Jigme Thinley served as Prime Minister twice.

• His first term was from July 1998 to July 1999.
• His second term was from August 2003 to August 2004.

During this time, the role of Prime Minister rotated among leaders each year.

He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 2003. After that, he was the Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs.

Bhutan's First Elected Prime Minister

In March 2008, Bhutan held its very first democratic election. Jigme Thinley led a political party called Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. His party won a huge victory, taking 45 out of 47 seats in the National Assembly of Bhutan.

Because of this win, Jigme Thinley became Bhutan's first ever elected Prime Minister. He officially took office on April 9, 2008.

Focus on Gross National Happiness

As Prime Minister, Jigme Thinley talked a lot about "gross national happiness" (GNH). He believed that a country's success should not just be about money. Instead, it should also focus on the well-being and happiness of its people.

He even said that the global economic problems of 2008-2009 were caused by "too much human greed." His government worked to make sure its policies helped improve the happiness of Bhutanese citizens, not just the economy.

In July 2009, he joined the International Advisory Board of the SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. This organization helps reduce poverty around the world.

Personal Life and Achievements

Jigme Thinley is married and has three children. His son, Palden, married Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck on November 11, 2008. Sadly, his wife, Aum Rinsy Dem, passed away in November 2018.

He has also received special honorary doctorates from two universities: KIIT University and University of Louvain (UCLouvain). These are special degrees given to people who have achieved great things.

See also

In Spanish: Jigme Thinley para niños