Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan
Flag of Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan
CountryBhutan
TypeRoyal bodyguard
Part of Royal Bhutan Army
Commanders
Current
commander		Brigadier Pem Dorji
Notable
commanders		Major General Dhendup Tshering, Brigadier Thinley Tobgyel

The Royal Bodyguard (RBG) of Bhutan is a part of the Royal Bhutan Army,[1][2] but is independently under the personal command of the King of Bhutan (as of 2023, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck). It is in charge of the security of the king and other members of the royal family. The strength of the force is more than one thousand soldiers, and it is the most elite unit of the armed forces of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The commandant is Brigadier Pem Dorji.

The soldiers are well trained and well equipped with the latest armaments and training in all fields such as counter-terrorism, etc. Under the personal command of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan proved themselves during brief conflict with northeastern extremist groups camped in Bhutan, as the guards had no casualties and spearheaded most of the attacks.

Former commandant

Major General Dhendup Tshering was commissioned on 12 June 1971 from the Indian Military Academy. Prior to joining the Royal Bodyguard in 1973, he served in the Northern Borders.

As a lieutenant colonel, he assumed the command of the Royal Bodyguard in 1988. In his 44 years of command, the general played a vital role in managing the anti-national crisis in 1990 and 2003 operations against the militants. The general is a recipient of Drakpoi Thugsey and Drakpoi Wangyel for his service to the Tsa-Wa-Sum.

Criticism

The RBG has been accused of arbitrarily detaining and torturing those who speak out against the Bhutanese monarchy. RBG soldiers have also been accused of murdering Lhotshampas in the south.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ Singh, Colonel Harjeet (2008-01-01). South Asia Defence And Strategic Year Book. Pentagon Press. p. 166. ISBN 9788182743205.
  2. ↑ Agency, Central Intelligence (2007-08-01). The World Factbook 2007. Government Printing Office. p. 72. ISBN 9780160785801.
  3. ↑ ""We will struggle for full democracy"".
  4. ↑ "India / Bhutan: Imminent extradition / Fear of torture: Rongthong Kunley Dorji".
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