Bhutan’s present king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has announced his abdication and handing over the power to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, who has ruled this small Himalayan region for thirty four years, was crowned as the king of Bhutan at the age 16 after his fathers death. His son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, is twenty six years old.He will be the fifth Druk Gyalpo.
Last year, the king declared that he would give up his power in 2008. With this sudden decision the people of the country were surprised. According to the report published in cnews.canoe.ca, this week the king made a royal decree which said that the King would step down. Before the decree, the king had a meeting with the members of the royal advisory council and other officials on Thursday. Bhutan’s chief justice, speaker of the national assembly, chief election commissioner were present there and they sat silently for a long time after hearing the decision.
The word “Bhutan” means the "land of the thunder dragon." For a long time, this country has remained isolated from the rest of the world. In 1971, it joined the United Nations. The actual size of the population ranges between 700,000 and 2.2 million people. Buddhism is the major religion of this region. Unlike other head of the states, Jigme Singye Wangchuk was considered about his country’s gross national happiness. In order keep his people happy, the King did not allow modern technologies. Television was allowed only ten years ago. After being ruled by the Wangchuk dynasty for hundred years, the people are going to have democracy in the country. In 2005, the King also declared that the first election would be held in 2008. Since 2001, the new constitution of the country has been developed which in 2005 was sent to the citizens. Under this new 34 point constitution, there will be two houses in the Parliament: National Assembly and National Council. The king would remain as the head of the state but parliament would have the power to impeach him.
The new King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is the child of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and his third wife, Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Namgyel, the oldest among ten children went to Oxford for higher education. Few months ago, he went to Thailand to attend the royal ceremony of Thai king. His gentle behavior and charming look made him very popular among Thai girls. The Thai newspapers dubbed him as “Prince Charming” and published news daily.
It is a good news that Bhutan is going to have a new king who is well educated and well traveled but I am very glad that the country’s people would finally going to have a democratic government. However, the new King should learn a lesson from his neighboring country Nepal. King Gyanendra and Crown Prince Paras have been ousted by the Nepalese because they could not understand and address people’s needs. Whatever Namgyel do, I think he should always think of his people first. Related articles:
CNEWS
Reuters
Playfuls.com
Bismarcktribune.com
Long Live The King
His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's birthday February 21,2007.
Yours respectfully
MR.KRITTABHAS Boonkaewwut
Chiangmai,Thailand
Posted by: MR KRITTABHAS Boonkaewwut | February 21, 2007 12:09 AM | Permalink to Comment