Decorations of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Every year as part of the National Day celebration His Majesty the King awards decorations and honors to the deserving personal.  

Last year during the 110th National Day celebration in Haa, His Majesty the King awarded medals to many distinguished personals. This year let us wait and see who will get the most prestigious award from His Majesty the King during the 111th National Day celebration to be held in Samtshi Dzongkhang on 17th December..

It is therefore very important to know the different types of decorations and honors of the kingdom of Bhutan. 

The following are the Decorations:

1. Druk Gyalpo (Nga Dap Pel Gi Khorlo) (the Order of the Dragon King).

Founded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7th November 2008 as the nation’s highest honour bestowed upon on individuals who have devoted a lifetime of service to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people. 

2. Druk Yugyel (Victorious Thunder Dragon)

Instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17th December 1991 as the highest military medal of honour awarded for outstanding dedication, loyalty and commitment by members of the uniformed services of the kingdom, and initially awarded in a single class, a gold decoration worn from a medal ribbon on the left chest. 

Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7th November 2008 as the nation’s second highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national service.

3. Druk Wangyel (‘Power of the Thunder Dragon’).

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9th February 1967 as Druk Yi-Shin Wangyel (‘Wish-fulfilling Power of the Thunder Dragon’) as the nation’s principal national honour. Subsequently reorganized by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck as Druk Wangyel on 29th September 1985. 

Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7th November 2008 as the nation’s third highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national service. 

4. Druk Thuksey (‘Beloved of the Thunder Dragon’).

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9th February 1967 as Druk Shung Thugsey (‘Beloved Son of the Dragon’) as a meritorious service medal awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police and Forest Guards. 

Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck on 7th November 2008 as the nation’s fourth highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national services to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people.

5. Druk Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Thunder Dragon’).

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk on 9th February 1967 as Druk Gyal Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Dragon Kingdom’). 

Reorganized by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in January 2008 as the nation’s fifth highest honour bestowed as a reward for distinguished national services to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people.

6. Druk Nor (‘Jewel of the Thunder Dragon’ or The Royal Order of Bhutan).

Founded by King Jigme Wangchuk in 1950. Awarded to Bhutanese and foreign citizens alike in four classes. It is now Obsolete. 

7. Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck Medal.

Instituted by Maharaja Ugyen Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 17th December 1907, thereafter conferred as a reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes. It is obsolete 1974.

8. The King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Medal.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 2nd June 1974, as a reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

9. The National Order of Merit.

Founded by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in 2008 as reward for distinguished and meritorious services to the state. Awarded in three classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

10. Drakpoi Rinchen Tsugtor (‘Crown Jewel of the Armed Forces’).

Instituted by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal on 21st February 2013 as a first class medal of honour to recognize outstanding meritorious and distinguished services by senior commanders (Brigadiers and equivalent or higher) of the three armed forces and the De-Stung. 

11. Drakpoi Wangyel (‘Great Victory of the Armed Forces’).

Instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17th December 1991. A first class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service.  

12. Treasure of the Armed Forces.

Instituted by King Jigme Khesar Namgyal on 21st February 2013 as a medal of honour to recognize outstanding meritorious and distinguished services by officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks (Colonels and equivalent or below) of the three armed forces and the De-Stung.

The decoration may also be awarded to civilians, and also granted posthumously.

13. Drakpoi Thuksey (‘Heart of the Armed Forces’).

Instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 17th December 1991. A second class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service.

14. Drakpoi Khorlo (‘Wheel of the Armed Forces’).

Third class medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards to reward services during operations to maintain law and order or national security. Also bestowed on civilians and uniformed civilian forces who assist during such operations. Awarded for bravery, as well as meritorious, long or distinguished service.

                    

15. King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk Coronation Badge.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to commemorate his coronation on 27th October 1952.

16. King Jigme Singye Coronation Medal.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 2nd June 1974, thereafter awarded as a general decoration of merit in two classes (Gold and Silver).

          

17. King Jigme Singye Coronation Badge.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation on 2nd June 1974.

18. King Jigme Singye Enthronement Jubilee Medal.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his coronation on 2nd June 1999, thereafter awarded as a general decoration of merit in two classes (Gold and Silver).

  

19. King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Coronation Medal.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck in August 2008 to commemorate his coronation on 6th November 2008 and awarded in three classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

20. Kingdom Foundation Anniversary Badge.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck to commemorate his coronation in 2008 and the centenary of the foundation of the kingdom of Bhutan in 2007.

21. King Jigme Khesar Namgyal 6th Anniversary Commemorative Medal.

Instituted by Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck 31st May 2014 to commemorate the sixth anniversary of his proclamation in 2008, to recognise significant international achievement by Bhutanese and foreign citizens, in the fields of voluntary, charitable or philanthropy. Awarded in three classes (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

22. Paden Tama.

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise twenty-five years of continuous meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.

23. Geypel Tama.

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise fifteen years of continuous meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.

24. Leytsoen Tama.

Instituted by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966 to recognise nine years of meritorious service and good conduct by members of the armed forces and police service. Awarded in a single class, a silver medal.

Note: Request friends if you can add the missing decorations.

Reference: www.royalark.net

Image courtesy: Christopher Buyers