Thrimshung Chhenpo
Tsa-Wa-Sum
Chapter Seventeen * Law of Bhutan
(English Translation)

The most pernicious of all Bhutan laws is the ''Thrimshung Chenpo, Tsa-Wa-Sum,'' which prohibits any opposition to the king, the country and the government. Those who oppose any of the three are branded as "traitors'' (NGOLOPS) or ''anti-national terrorists''. They can be awarded the severest of punishment including death sentence.

The following is law of Bhutan regarding Thrimshung Chhenpo

TSA 1 Matters regarding anti-nationals -- those averse to the development of the Kingdom and those assist the enemies.

TSA 1 - 1 The King of Bhutan, the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of Bhutan are the three main elements of Bhutan.

TSA 1 - 2 Whether beneficial or harmful to one, whether big or small matters, whether high or low as mentioned at (O), any person who with the intention to cause harm to the three main elements or any of them as mentioned under the above clause TSA 1 - 1, if commits offenses or does not commit or attempts to commit offenses falling under the clause TSA 1 - 3 to TSA 1 - 10 shall be treated as a traitor and shall be liable to the punishment of treason as written under the clause TSA 1 - 11.

TSA 1 -3 If death is caused to the three main elements of Bhutan or any one of them or if such an attempt is made, if harm is caused to the body or the five organs or if such attempt is made.

TSA 1 - 4 If the three main elements or any one of them is challenged with weapons or without weapons.

TSA 1- 5 If defamation is caused to the three main elements or any of them within Bhutan or outside or if such an attempt is made.

TSA 1- 6 If attempt is made to create differences between Bhutan and a foreign country.

TSA 1 -7 If with the intention to cause harm to the three main elements or any one of them, the people within Bhutan or people of a foreign country are instigated or such an attempt is made.

TSA 1- 8 If with the intention to cause serious harm to the three main elements or any one of them, correspondence is made or conversation is held (whatever the topic may be) with persons within Bhutan or with foreign nationals or if correspondence is made or conversation is held with persons in Bhutan and foreign nationals (who are jot supposed to be conversed with).

TEA 1 - 9 If any conspiracy is heard or seen with intentions to cause harm to the three main elements or any one of them, if someone known to be anti-national, if such matter is concealed and not reported immediately to the Government.

TEA 1- 10 If known to be rebels or enemies against the three main elements or any one of them (if known or recognised to be a rebel or an enemy), if arms are sold to them or given freely or given for use, if guided, if secrets are disclosed, if food-water is provided or if any help is given to increase the rebel manpower or earnings.

TSA 1- 11 All those who commit offenses or do not commit or attempt to commit them as described under the above clause TEA 1 - 3 to TEA 1-10 shall be treated as anti- national and shall be liable to punishment for treason.

Note:

TSA Wa means main elements i.e. King, Kingdom and Government SUM means three in DZONGKHA (DIALECT), national language of Bhutan. The National Assembly of Bhutan confirmed and approved death punishment for offenses against TSA WA SUM during its 69th session held between March 19-26, 1990.

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