Bhutan Faces Crisis Over Alcohol Abuse, GGC Raises Alarm

The National Council’s Good Governance Committee (GGC) raised serious concerns over the harmful use of alcohol in Bhutan during its 22nd session. Bhutan reportedly has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the WHO South-East Asia region. Alcohol is a major contributor to health issues, including liver disease, and is also linked to domestic violence, [...]

Bhutanese Youth Abroad Face Job Hurdles Despite Higher Pay

A survey of over 1,000 Bhutanese youth working abroad found that career growth and low wages in Bhutan push many to seek jobs overseas. Most are working in Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain, mainly in service and sales sectors. About 45% now earn significantly more than before, but job satisfaction is only moderate.Female workers make [...]

Call for Safer Roads Amid Hit-and-Run Surge in Bhutan

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has raised concerns over the rising number of vehicle-pedestrian collisions and hit-and-run cases, which have increased from 40 in 2021 to 60 in 2024, with 18 already reported in mid-2025. Most incidents stem from reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving (especially mobile phone use), and failure to yield at zebra crossings. [...]

Bhutan’s Prison Policy Violates Human Rights, Discriminates Against Minorities

A new United Nations report has condemned Bhutan for illegally jailing ethnic Nepali citizens for life without parole, simply for expressing political opinions. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Bhutan has violated fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial, and described the arrests as “discriminatory.” The report highlights the [...]

Students With Disabilities Face Barriers to Higher Education

Despite growing efforts to promote inclusive education in Bhutan, students with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in pursuing higher education beyond Class 12. A lack of essential  support services in colleges and universities such as trained sign language interpreters, deaf support officers, and counsellors proficient in Bhutanese sign language means that many students with [...]

Bhutan and Thailand Strengthen Ties in Historic Royal Visit

From April 25–28, 2025, Bhutan warmly welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit—their first to the Himalayan kingdom. The royal couple received a grand and heartfelt reception, greeted not only by Bhutan’s King and Queen but also by enthusiastic citizens across the country. Schoolchildren lined the streets with [...]

Stroke Risk Soars in Bhutan: 70% Found High-Risk in National Screenings

Stroke is a growing health threat in Bhutan, affecting more young people due to high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor lifestyles.Globally, stroke causes over 6.5 million deaths yearly, and Bhutan is seeing a sharp rise in cases. In rural Bhutan, limited access to care and poor stroke awareness worsen outcomes. Many strokes go unnoticed or [...]

Reaching Bhutan’s Hidden People

Reaching Unreached People Groups in Bhutan is challenging due to the nation’s strict religious laws and emphasis on cultural uniformity. Language diversity presents another major hurdle in Bhutan’s mission field. Digital outreach is also hindered by government restrictions on media. Travel and communication are limited, making missionary efforts nearly impossible through conventional means. Translation of [...]

Bhutan Battles Rising Drug Crisis as Narcotics Networks Expand

A steep increase drug trafficking is observed in Bhutan; which can potentially harm the society and security. The forbidden drugs smuggled are heroin and brown sugar. The crisis is on the rise as twenty cases in a year has been booked by the Royal Bhutan Police. Public safety and people’s health are threatened as Bhutan [...]

Bhutan’s Sex Workers Seek Safety, Economic Empowerment, and Change

Sex workers in Bhutan face severe challenges, including social stigma, discrimination, violence, and lack of legal protection. Criminalization of sex work discourages them from reporting crimes due to fear of arrest. Many sex workers express a willingness to leave the profession if provided with upskilling opportunities, financial support, and legal aid. A representative working with [...]

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