King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was nominated honorary guide on Aug. 10, 2006, for his wise rule illustrating peace and love toward all of humanity. Rael especially commended the emphasis placed on “Gross National Happiness” over economic growth. He also praised the king’s decision to make the Kingdom of Bhutan the first non-smoking nation; the care taken to protect the country from the cultural pollution of excessive tourism, and his offer to give up his power as supreme ruler and institute democratic procedures. Largely through his efforts, the country is now a constitutional monarchy rather than an absolute monarchy. Revered by his people, he retained power after a democratic vote, then abdicated in favor of his eldest son in late 2006.
