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Former Lao PDR President Khamtay Siphandone Passes Away.

Obituary | Dated: 12 Apr 2025

In April 2025, General Khamtay Siphandone, the former President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) and former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, passed away at the age of 102 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Born on February 8, 1924, in Huakhongphayai village, Siphandone province (now Champasack province), he was a prominent figure in the history of Laos.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - He was among the first generation of leaders of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, playing a significant role in leading the Lao people in their revolutionary struggle for national liberation.
  • - Khamtay Siphandone began his career as a postman and later trained as a telegrapher in Saigon, working in Phongsaly province by 1944. His early career laid the foundation for his later involvement in the revolutionary movement in Laos.
  • - In 1944, he joined the Lao Issara movement and became a member of the Indochinese Communist Party in 1954. He further solidified his political path by joining the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in 1956.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Khamtay Siphandone was elected a member of the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, at the 2nd Party Congress in 1972. He later became the Commander-in-Chief of the Lao People's Liberation Army, leading the country's forces during pivotal moments in its history.
  • (ii) After the successful revolution of 1975, Khamtay was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defence, and Commander-in-Chief of the Lao People's Liberation Army, taking on key leadership roles in the newly established government.
  • (iii) Khamtay Siphandone was appointed Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on August 15, 1991, by the 6th session of the 2nd Supreme People's Assembly. He was elected President in 1998 and retired from the presidency and as chairman of the party in 2006. In recognition of his contributions to the nation, he received numerous honors, including the Order of José Martí from Cuba and the Gold Star Order from Vietnam.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently passed away at the age of 102 in Vientiane, Lao PDR?

Correct Answer: Khamtay Siphandone

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)

  • President : Thongloun Sisoulith
  • Prime Minister (PM): Sonexay Siphandone