Ambassador

Ambassador Phub Dorji was born on 08 September 1967 in Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan. He is married and has two children. He has built a distinguished career spanning public service, development finance, entrepreneurship promotion, and socio-economic policy in Bhutan.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador of Bhutan to Kuwait, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, he had served as Governor of Thimphu District, where he oversaw key administrative and governance functions in the capital district. During this time, he also served as Chairperson of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), contributing to national efforts on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

From 2016 to 2022, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Bhutan Development Bank, where he strengthened rural and SME financing, expanded financial inclusion and introduced mobile and internet banking services across the country. During this period, he also served as Chairperson of the Association of Development Enhancing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), promoting regional cooperation among development finance institutions. He also served as Board of Director for Financial Institutions Training Institute (FITI), Credit Information Bureau (CIB) and Royal Stock Exchange of Bhutan (RSEB).  

Ambassador Phub Dorji was a Professional Changarp (Professional Attendant) to His Majesty The King of Bhutan, and also led a think tank under Royal Command which produced a comprehensive 20-year socio-economic development strategy for Bhutan. During this time he also served as the Board of Director of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (Central Bank).

His earlier professional experience was focused on promotion of entrepreneurship and skills development within the Ministry of Economic Affairs, where he served in various capacities, including Head of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Centre, Deputy Head, Coordinator of the Cottage Industry Development Project, and Facilitator of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme. During this time he worked closely with international agencies such as UNDP, HELVETAS, SNV, UNIDO and the World Bank in the provision of technical and financial assistance.

He holds a Master of Public Administration and completed the Edward S. Mason Program in Public Policy and Management at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, USA. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sherubtse College, Bhutan.

Former Ambassadors: 

Dasho Sangay N. Dorji – 1986-1990
Late Lyonpo Sangye Penjor  – 1990-1994
Amb Tobgye S. Dorji – 1994-1997
Amb Sonam T. Rabgye – 1997-2000
Amb Tshering Wangdi – 2000-2004
Amb Thinley Penjor – 2005-2009
Dasho Sherub Tenzin – 2009-2012
Dasho Tashi Phuntsog – 2012-2015
Amb Tshering Gyaltshen Penjor – 2015-2021
Amb Chitem Tenzin – 2021-2025