Sonam Dhondup, also known by his lay name Lobsang Phurbu and as Legshe Phuntsok, is a Tibetan monk born in 1977 from Nalanda Monastery in Phenpo Lhundrup County. He entered the monastery at the age of twelve. In 1995, Sonam, along with fellow monk Tseten, became involved in political activism, producing a booklet on Tibet and stitching a Tibetan national flag.

While attempting to distribute the booklet in Thang Township, they were overheard by a Chinese officer, leading to a confrontation and their arrest. Authorities later discovered the booklets and flag in Sonam’s quarters. Along with three other monks—Legshe Choesang (born 1967), Legshe Ngawang, and Legshe Thupkey—Sonam and Tseten were detained at Gutsa Detention Centre.

Following their trial, Sonam and Tseten were each sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment, while the other three monks received sentences of five to six years. Sonam is currently serving his sentence in Drapchi Prison.