PDP Candidates

Lyonpo Sangay has a B.A from St. Stephen’s College and International Studies from India and International Relations and Diplomatic Practice from Australia. Starting his career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has served as the first secretary at the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi and then as the ambassador of Bhutan to State of Kuwait and Switzerland. He has held several senior executive posts in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Planning Commission, National Environment Secretariat, Ministry of Health and Education, Department of Employment and Labour, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Move for Health Walk in 2002 from Trashigang to Thimphu covering a distance of 560 km to promote health messages and raise funds for the Health Trust Fund; Good Governance in 1999 and Good Governance Plus in 2005, and Agriculture Triple Gems were some of his initiatives amongst many. Lyonpo has also held many important responsibilities as a member, chairperson or president to various Boards and organizations

He was awarded red scarf by His Majesty in 1987, appointed Deputy Minister on 1st January 1998 and was elected as the Minister for Health and Education in 1999 and then Minister for Agriculture in 2001. Lyonpo served as the chairperson of the Council of Ministers from July 1999 to July 2000, and as the Prime Minister of Bhutan from august 2005 to July 2006. He is a recipient of the Druk Thuksay Medal (Heart Son of Bhutan), the highest individual award in the country and coronation medal in 1999, and numerous international recognition and awards.

Drawing inspiration from His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, he has worked tirelessly to reduce poverty and to make GNH happen to the people. Whether as a diplomat or in trade & industry, planning, health, education and agriculture, he has been known for his uncompromising spirit in addressing the issues affecting the common people. He has been responsible for establishing the Health Trust Fund, National Technical Training Authority, National Employment Board, Royal University of Bhutan, Institute for Zorig Chusum in Trashiyangtse; launching of ‘Be Somebody” movement, Education Staff Welfare Fund, Youth Counselling, Scouts Programme, Land Management Campaign, addressing people’s concerns on governance issues through Good Governance initiatives, and introducing Triple Gem concept in enabling farmers modernize their enterprises by coordinating production, accessibility and marketing.