Bhutan Today

08/10/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝-𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Prime Minister arrived in Phuentsholing this afternoon from Gelephu to assess the damage caused by the recent Amochu flood. During the visit, he inspected several of the most severely affected sites, including the Workforce Management Centre under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) premises at Amochu, the NRDCL logging depot, the temporary quarantine center near the Workforce Management Centre, and the Rigsar Dredging and Crushing Unit.

Highlighting the significance of the visit, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to thoroughly assess the extent of loss and damage in order to determine both immediate relief measures and longer-term support for the affected communities. He acknowledged the challenges ahead and expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of individuals and agencies involved in the disaster response.

Following the site inspections, the Prime Minister proceeded to the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing, Samtse.

08/10/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: It has been reported that the vehicle involved in the incident was being driven by a monk. A woman, who was hitchhiking and picked up along the way, was also in the car at the time of the incident.

The driver sustained minor injuries and has been discharged after receiving medical treatment. The passenger, however, remains under observation.

Meanwhile, traffic police have requested Thromde to begin clearing the road after first light, citing current safety risks. Authorities stated that conditions are too hazardous to carry out road-clearing operations right now.

08/10/2025

𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞; 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

A rockfall accompanied by a minor landslide occurred near the Dechencholing Bridge at approximately 8:30 p.m. this evening, striking a light vehicle in transit.

According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle was occupied by two individuals- a monk and a female driver- at the time of the incident. The severity of injuries and the extent of damage remain undetermined as of this report.

While authorities have yet to issue an official statement, the incident has heightened concerns over road safety along the stretch, particularly amid the ongoing monsoon season, which increases the risk of landslides and falling debris.

Emergency response teams are reportedly monitoring the situation. Further updates are awaited.

08/10/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐄𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡

The Third PEMA Symposium on Mental Health, held from October 6–8 at Zhichenkhar, was graced by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and other senior officials. The three-day event, themed “Empowering Young Minds, Building Futures: Investing in Children and Adolescents’ Mental Health and Well-being,” focused on promoting mental resilience among youth. It brought together experts, educators, and policymakers to address rising cases of anxiety and stress, emphasizing early intervention, counseling, and the integration of traditional and modern healing approaches to strengthen Bhutan’s national mental health support system.

08/10/2025

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

…𝑨𝑫𝑩 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉-𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔

By Sonam Choden

As Bhutan graduates from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, its young population faces a pivotal choice: seek opportunities abroad or build a future at home. A recent Asian Development Bank study, Youth, Labor Market Dynamics, and the Role of Entrepreneurship in Bhutan, reveals a growing tension between the high aspirations of Bhutanese youth to migrate and the limited opportunities for entrepreneurship within the country. The report also highlights structural barriers that continue to restrict local growth and self-reliance.

The ADB report shows that 93.7 percent of Bhutanese youth are willing to move abroad for work, with destinations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and the Middle East being particularly popular. While 65 percent would consider relocating within Bhutan, mostly to Thimphu, the lure of overseas work reflects dissatisfaction with domestic labor market prospects.

http://www.bhutantoday.bt/𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞-𝐁𝐞𝐭/

08/10/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 13𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏

By Kinzang Lhamo

Students with disabilities in Bhutan continue to lag behind their peers in core subjects, particularly Mathematics, due to shortages of inclusive learning materials, limited teacher training, and inaccessible infrastructure, according to the National Education Assessment (NEA) 2024. The findings highlight systemic shortcomings in inclusive education despite long-standing government commitments to equitable learning.

According to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), 1,455 children with disabilities are currently enrolled in schools across the country. Yet NEA 2024 shows that these students underperformed by 7 to 12 points compared to their peers across assessed domains. While some differences were not statistically significant due to small sample sizes, the results confirm persistent inequities in classrooms.

http://www.bhutantoday.bt/𝐍𝐄𝐀-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞/

08/10/2025

𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠

…𝒁𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 5𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

The much-awaited 5th Bhutan Bird Festival 2025 is set to take place in Zhemgang Dzongkhag on November 13 and 14, bringing together conservationists, tourists, and local communities under the theme “Wings of Harmony: Conserving Birds, Celebrating Kheng Culture.” The festival, to be held at Tingtibi, located 36 kilometers from Zhemgang town, is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors. It highlights Bhutan’s commitment to bird conservation and eco-tourism, while showcasing the cultural heritage of Kheng communities.

This year’s program offers a range of activities designed to engage all ages. Visitors can participate in a Birdathon, which encourages spotting and documenting diverse bird species, and a wildlife night safari offering a glimpse of nocturnal species. For younger participants and families, there will be a treasure hunt, biodiversity quiz, and art and literary competitions, aimed at fostering curiosity and awareness about Bhutan’s unique biodiversity.

http://www.bhutantoday.bt/𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧-𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝-𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯/

08/10/2025

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍- 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

In recent years, Bhutan has witnessed a noticeable shift in the way corruption is discussed and exposed, particularly on social media platforms. Netizens, empowered by technology and a growing sense of civic responsibility, are increasingly taking bold steps to highlight instances of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism. This development is both commendable and necessary, as it demonstrates a population that refuses to remain passive in the face of systemic issues that can hinder national development and erode public trust. A society that encourages transparency and accountability is better equipped to address its weaknesses and safeguard the welfare of its citizens. Yet, with this newfound assertiveness comes a responsibility that cannot be overlooked.

While citizen-driven reporting can act as a catalyst for transparency, it also raises critical concerns about fairness, accuracy, and potential harm to individuals who may be falsely accused. Allegations of corruption carry significant consequences, not only for the accused but for the wider perception of justice and governance. Reckless or unverified claims on public platforms can lead to reputational damage, social ostracization, and emotional trauma for individuals, their families, and even their professional associates. It is essential, therefore, that those highlighting corruption do so with due diligence, cross-verifying facts and ensuring the veracity of their claims before sharing them publicly.

http://www.bhutantoday.bt/𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍-𝐀-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢/

𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍- 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 In recent years, Bhutan has witnessed a noticeable sh...

08/10/2025

Pavement deprsesion reported at chainage 12.55 km along Trongsa-Rafee PNH (near Dam colony) Tashidingkha.
The road is trafficable only for light vehicles.

Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

08/10/2025

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞!

Department of Surface Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

07/10/2025

8 October 2025: As the third group of volunteers begin their work in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) His Majesty The King announced the launch of Pelsung.

Pelsung, meaning Guardians of Prosperity, is a new national initiative to engage Bhutanese youth in developing creative and practical solutions for the GMC.

His Majesty announced Pelsung as the third pillar of nation-building alongside Desuung and Gyalsung, instituted to help build strong foundations for the country’s future.

“For a small population, every single person matters, and these programmes are intended to empower our people, to build harmony and the capacity to work together. As His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo said in the 1974 Coronation Address, our collective efforts will have far greater impact than the concerted efforts of a few,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said that the Gelephu Mindfulness City represents the aspirations of the nation taking shape, and that the sacred responsibility to protect Bhutan’s unity, harmony, and unique identity for all time falls on the youth.

“Everything we are doing today is for our youth – so that they will be better versions of us, better prepared, smarter, and more hard-working. It falls on us to build that future, and on them to protect it and take it to greater heights,” His Majesty said. “That is the reason Pelsung has been created. I invite larger and larger numbers — the brightest and strongest amongst us — to join. We begin with 300–400 Pelsups, but expect to have thousands in the coming years. While today we bring in experts to help build the GMC, it is imperative that Bhutanese are able to take over the responsibility and become its custodians.”

“My father entrusted the responsibility of Kingship to me when I was only 26, with enormous confidence and even greater expectations. I would like to learn from past precedent, and His Majesty’s immense wisdom, and recognize the potential of our youth. We certainly value experience, age, and education. But we must also rely on our youth to take the nation forward,” His Majesty said. “My father took a leap of faith in me, and I have always endeavoured to not disappoint him, my people, and above all, our choechang sungma.”

“It is not how you fit into a role that matters, but how you adapt — how quickly you can learn, absorb information, exercise good judgement, and reinvent yourself,” His Majesty said. “Success requires adaptability, humility, resilience, and a constant appetite to learn. Every moment of your life, you are growing, becoming stronger, and your conviction solidifies. Only when you know what is worth fighting for do you learn how to succeed.”

His Majesty added that the journey ahead will not be easy. “There will be heartaches and disappointments. If it were easy, every country in the world would be better off and do exactly what we are doing. We have to be resilient in the face of challenges to do what others cannot.”

The first cohort of Pelsung participants includes about 300 youth, selected from thousands of applicants from within and outside Bhutan. They represent a diverse mix of civil servants, private employees, students, and recent university graduates.

The programme includes a Youth Integration Training, developed with the support of Desuung, to build teamwork and community spirit. Participants will attend GMC Talks with experts from the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, and later form groups to develop ideas under four themes — Social and Cultural, Business and Commercial, Governance and Planning, and Architecture and Urban Design.

His Majesty expressed deep appreciation for the people’s overwhelming interest in joining the volunteer work, saying that people from across the country had shown remarkable enthusiasm to be part of the national effort.

“This is the true spirit of Bhutan — our unity, and the manner in which Bhutanese come together with the noble intent of benefiting all sentient beings,” His Majesty said. “That is what makes Bhutan special, and sets us apart.”

His Majesty especially acknowledged the presence of Lopen Basokarp, the 98-year-old former Yangbi Lopen and Druk Thugsey recipient, who had requested to come to Gelephu to take part in the voluntary work.

The ceremony was attended by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Members of the Royal Family, international guests, officials, and the public of Gelephu.

Meanwhile, the third zhabtog programme for GMC, which commenced today with more than five thousand six hundred volunteers, will continue until October 10.

07/10/2025

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐊𝐇

…𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝑳𝑶𝑭 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌-𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝑲𝑯 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Kezang Choden

A session on Cryosphere and People at Risk highlighted the urgent need to act on the rapid disappearance of glaciers in Bhutan and across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). Experts and participants stressed that the consequences of retreating glaciers are already being felt, with some communities forced to migrate in search of clean water and safer living conditions. The threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) further intensifies the risks faced by vulnerable populations.

Experts emphasized that cooperation is critical to addressing these challenges. They called for greater sharing of information, scientific knowledge, and technical expertise among nations and institutions in the region, noting that fragmented efforts alone will not effectively reduce risks.

http://www.bhutantoday.bt/𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬-𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞-𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝/