But there is a determination to stick it out In the July 2022 to June 2023 financial year, a record 15,552 Bhutanese got visas to Australia, of which 8,187 were students and 7,365 were dependents, while from July 2023 to February 2024 a total of 8,387 Bhutanese got visas of …
Read More »Smugglers use innovative new techniques to smuggle gold via Bhutan
The recent incident of three cases of gold smuggling reported at the Paro International Airport, shows Bhutan is being used as an international route by gold smugglers. Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) said that earlier mostly Indian carriers were involved in the gold smuggling. However, in the past few days, the …
Read More »Proposal to give SDF free MICE tourism for 7 days and 6 nights
Earlier 4 night MICE waiver was never implemented Earlier this year in late January the Department of Tourism announced that to promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition) tourism in Bhutan, there will be SDF waiver to MICE participants for 4 nights not including the travel dates to the venues, …
Read More »Loan deferral to be more targeted after June 2024
The loan deferral is coming to an end for various sectors in June 2024 and after this, blanket deferrals of the past is unlikely. According to a reliable source the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) is keen to let the banks decide client by client on who can pay or not …
Read More »More than just a crime statistic: The murder of Sonam Choden
24-year-old Sonam Choden met a gruesome death on the early morning of 31 March in lower Motithang below the Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) Office when she was assaulted by a 32-year-old man. However, Sonam is not just another crime statistic, but was a real person, with a real life …
Read More »Difficulties and prejudice experienced by parents of children with Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. According to World Health Organization (WHO), ASD is a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other signs include unusual ways of doing things and acting, …
Read More »Around 50% drop in January and February numbers for Australia but more children leaving
The numbers are in, and the data shows that there is a major drop in Bhutanese heading for Australia in 2024 compared to 2023. In January and February 2024, a total of 1,787 Bhutanese got student and dependent visas compared to 3,169 in January and February 2023. However, the 2024 …
Read More »Tourism numbers improve in first three months of 2024 but a long way to go
The Department of Tourism said Bhutan welcomed 25,003 guests between January and March 2024 which is compared to 12,696 arrivals in the same period last year. While the numbers have doubled from 2023 this is still a far cry from the 2019 peak when Bhutan saw 53,124 tourists from January …
Read More »Important outcomes of Their Majesties visit to Bangladesh
His Majesty The King is in Bangladesh on a State Visit, accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, on the invitation of the President of Bangladesh, His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin. Their Majesties were warmly welcomed …
Read More »Bhutan’s former Lottery Agent is highest contributor to Indian Political parties
Several illegal online lotteries still operational in Bhutan’s name in India In a surprise revelation, it has been found that the largest donor to Indian political parties is Bhutan’s former Lottery Agent Santiago Martin. Martin’s company Future Gaming and Hotel Services purchased Rupees (Rs) 13.68 billion (bn) of Electoral Bonds …
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The Bhutanese Leading the way.