Young King Khesar is ‘Asian Idol’

New Delhi, January 07: Asian News Network (ANN) has included King Khesar in its list of Asian Idols for the year 2007 taking into consideration the contribution they made for changes and gained reputation for their works.

In the list of idols, Asia News magazine, published by ANN, the young king Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk has been included in the list of 17 achievers from Asia. 

King Khesar, said the ANN, is the world’s youngest head of state. He assumed the throne as the fifth Dragon King of Bhutan on Dec. 14, 2006 after his father announced abdication and immediate transfer of the throne to his eldest son. The young king, dubbed “Prince Charming” by overseas fans because of his charm and good looks, has a degree from Oxford University’s Magdalen College.

The new king’s coronation is not until this year, after which he will be head of state but won’t rule. His biggest responsibility is to oversee Bhutan’s shift from monarchy to a democratic system amid skepticism by its nationals. While his role as king may be limited to ceremonial duties, Bhutan’s transition to democracy may as well be considered his most important legacy as monarch.

Other idols in the list include Buddhist monks in Burma who demonstrated against the Junta regime, Abhisit Vejjajiva, 43 of Thailand, Francis Escudero, 38 of Philippines, Rahul Gandhi, 37 of India, Shi Zhengrong, 44 of China, Tony Fernandes, 43 of Malaysia, Tang Wei, 28 of China, Chung To, 40 of Hongkong, Daisuke Matsuzaka, 27 of Japan, Wayhu Susilo, 39 of Indonesia, Jay Chou, 28 of China, Miss World 2007 Zhang Zilin, 23 of China, Jeon Do-yeon, 34 of Korea, Siti Nurhaliza, 28 of Malaysia, Kim Yu-na, 17 of Korea, Gagan Thapa, 31 of Nepal and Anil Shah of Nepal. Bhutan News Service