I wonder if there is anyone out there who has an interest in and knowledge of Bhutan’s system of honours, awards and medals?

Information is difficult to come by, so the following is all I have been able to find so far:

The Royal Order of Bhutan: founded by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1966. Awarded in three classes and one medal.
Druk Wangyel (Great Victory of the Thunder Dragon): instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1985 as the country’s highest national award (postnominal=DWG).
Druk Yuelgyel (Victory of the Thunder Dragon): the highest military medal of honour awarded for outstanding dedication, loyalty and commitment (postnominal=DYG).
Druk Thuksey (Son of the Heart of the Thunder Dragon): instituted by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on 2nd June 1999 as the highest individual civilian decoration and awarded for outstanding services to “Tsa-Wa-Sum”, the king, country and the people.
Drakpoi Wangyel: medal of honour awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army and the Royal Bhutan Police (post nominal=DW).
Drakpoi Thuksey: a meritorious service medal awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, and Forest Guards and the uniformed civilian services to reward services to maintaining national security (post nominal=DT).
Drakpoi Khorlo: a meritorious service medal awarded to members of the Royal Bhutan Police and to reward services to maintaining law and order (post nominal=DK).

If there is anyone who can provide more detailed information as to the exact names, translation into English, conditions for award, classes, etc, I would welcome hearing from you at the following e-mail address:

With sincere thanks and best wishes,
C J Buyers