Jigme Thinley

Thinley played a key role in revising the 1949 India-Bhutan Treaty, signed in 2007. The new treaty gave Bhutan greater autonomy in foreign policy and defense, strengthening bilateral relations.

Thinley's government implemented the 10th Five-Year Plan (2008-2013), focusing on infrastructure, education, and health. The plan aimed to reduce poverty and improve living standards while preserving cultural heritage.

Jigme Thinley became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Bhutan on April 9, 2008, after the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa party won the first National Assembly elections. This marked Bhutan's transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.

As PM, Thinley promoted the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index as a development philosophy, integrating it into Bhutan's Five-Year Plans. He advocated for GNH globally, emphasizing well-being over GDP.