A pioneer and hero of the Lao revolution, Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) and former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), passed away in the capital Vientiane on April 2, at the age of 101.
In a message sent the same day to his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, Chinese President Xi Jinping was reported by the Xinhua News Agency as extending profound condolences and sincere sympathies, hailing Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, who will always cherish his memory.
Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbours linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbours, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners.
His message was also reported by the KPL Lao News Agency.
The newspaper Laotian Times reported that Khamtay was born into a poor family in 1924. He plunged into the movement for national liberation against French colonial rule in the immediate aftermath of World War II and became a founder member of the LPRP in 1955.
Laos has declared a period of national mourning until April 7.
On April 3, the leaders of the LPRP gathered to pay their respects to the late President. General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith stated: “Comrade General Khamtay was a courageous and outstanding revolutionary and national leader who dedicated his life to the cause of national liberation, protection, and development, contributing to the prosperity of the Lao nation… His name will remain eternally intertwined with the revolutionary cause of our Party.”
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam visited Laos to express condolences. Meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, he stressed that the loss of Comrade Khamtay is not only a great sorrow for Laos but also for Vietnam, as he was a cherished comrade and close friend who stood side by side with Vietnam in their shared struggles. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Sonexay Siphandone, the son of Khamtay, who currently serves as the Prime Minister of Laos, expressed sincere gratitude to Lam and the Vietnamese delegation, noting that they were the first to come to Laos to offer condolences to the Lao Party and State, and the late leader’s family. This gesture, he noted, reflects the deep bond and affection for their beloved father, a great leader of the Lao party, state, and people.
To Lam described Khamtay as an eminent figure of the first generation of Lao revolutionaries, who played a pivotal role in building the Lao revolution, leading the national democratic revolution, and safeguarding and developing the country. He was also a pioneer in implementing the LPRP’s comprehensive renewal policy, and a loyal, close and steadfast friend of Vietnam who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people through their struggles for national protection and nation building. His passing is a great loss to the party, state, and people of both Laos and Vietnam.
To honour Khamtay’s contributions, Lam announced that the Vietnamese party and state have decided to observe two days of national mourning.
Lam and the Lao leaders reflected on Khamtay’s illustrious revolutionary career, which began with his involvement in the Indochinese Communist Party. They underscored his close ties to the Vietnamese revolution and his strong relationships with Vietnam’s senior revolutionary leaders, describing these as vivid manifestations of the rare unbreakable and loyal relationship between the parties, states, and revolutionary causes of both nations.
The Lao leaders affirmed that future generations of Lao leaders will continue to work alongside their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and other leaders of both countries.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, the KPL Lao News Agency, Nhân Dân and the Laotian Times.
Xi extends condolences over passing of Laos’ former president
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and former chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended profound condolences to the LPRP, the Lao government and people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, and expressed sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and people, and in his own name.
In the message to Thongloun, also General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Xi hailed Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the CPC and the Chinese people.
Xi also said Khamtay had devoted his life to Laos’ reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, adding that the Chinese people will always cherish his memory.
Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbors, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners.
He noted that China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries, and stands ready to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes.
Xi also expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of building the party and the country.
Wreaths Laid in Honour of Former President Khamtay Siphandone
April 3 (KPL) — On April 3, 2025, a delegation from the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, led by General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, gathered in Vientiane to pay their respects to former President Khamtay Siphandone.
President Thongloun signed the official message of condolence, stating: “On behalf of the Party and my family, I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Comrade General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Party Central Committee and former President of the Lao PDR. His passing is a profound loss for the Party, state, armed forces, and the multi-ethnic Lao people. Comrade General Khamtay was a courageous and outstanding revolutionary and national leader who dedicated his life to the cause of national liberation, protection, and development, contributing to the prosperity of the Lao nation.
The Party Central Committee extended its deepest respect and heartfelt condolences to the Siphandone family.
Our nation and people will forever remember and honour the virtues, contributions, and selfless dedication that Comrade Khamtay devoted to the motherland and its people. His name will remain eternally intertwined with the revolutionary cause of our Party.”
General Secretary Thongloun Meets Vietnamese Counterpart
April 3 (KPL) — Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam on the occasion of his visit to Laos to pay respects to the late General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Party Central Committee and former President of Laos, who passed away on April 2, 2025.
General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, on behalf of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the National Assembly, the Government of the Lao PDR, the Lao Front for National Development, and the Siphandone family, expressed deep gratitude to Comrade To Lam for leading a high-ranking delegation of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to attend the memorial services for General Khamtay Siphandone.
This gesture shared in the grief of the Lao Party, State, and multi-ethnic people while also demonstrating the great solidarity and enduring special relationship between the two Parties and States of Laos and Vietnam.
Comrade Thongloun emphasized that the solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support between Laos and Vietnam have been decisive factors in the revolutionary cause and national development of each country. Despite complex global changes, both nations remain committed to preserving and enhancing their pure, transparent, and rare international relationship, deepening cooperation in all fields.
Comrade Thongloun praised General Khamtay Siphandone as one of the first-generation revolutionary leaders of Laos, a patriotic and dedicated revolutionary who devoted his life to the nation’s liberation, development, and the well-being of the Lao people. He played a pivotal role in strengthening Laos-Vietnam relations.
Comrade To Lam, on behalf of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, National Assembly, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences over the passing of General Khamtay Siphandone. He hailed Comrade Khamtay as an outstanding leader, a beloved figure of the Lao people, and a revolutionary fighter who dedicated his life to national independence, freedom, and prosperity.
Comrade To Lam stressed that the loss of Comrade Khamtay is not only a great sorrow for Laos but also for Vietnam, as he was a cherished comrade and close friend who stood side by side with Vietnam in their shared struggles. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Both leaders expressed deep gratitude to the Parties, governments, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam for their invaluable, timely, and effective support—both during the historic struggle for national liberation and in the ongoing cause of national protection and development.
They highly commended the achievements of bilateral cooperation, which has been continuously expanded and deepened across all domains. Reaffirming their unwavering commitment, they pledged to continue to protect and enhance the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam.
Party chief pays final respects to former Lao leader
April 3 (Nhân Dân) — Party General Secretary To Lam on April 3 led a high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State delegation to pay their final respects to Gen. Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), former President and former Prime Minister of Laos, who passed away a day earlier.
On the occasion, Lam also held meetings with Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and PM Sonexay Siphandone.
Expressing sorrow over Khamtay’s passing, Lam extended his heartfelt condolences to the high-ranking leaders and people of Laos, and the late leader’s family.
He described Khamtay as an eminent figure of the first generation of Lao revolutionaries, who played a pivotal role in building the Lao revolution, leading the national democratic revolution, and safeguarding and developing the country. He was also a pioneer in implementing the LPRP’s comprehensive renewal policy, and a loyal, close and steadfast friend of Vietnam who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people through their struggles for national protection and the nation building. His passing, Lam noted, is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of both Laos and Vietnam.
To honour Khamtay’s contributions, Lam announced that Vietnamese Party and State have decided to observe two days of national mourning.
PM Sonexay Siphandone expressed sincere gratitude to Lam and the Vietnamese delegation, noting that they were the first to come to Laos to offer condolences to the Lao Party and State, and the later leader’s family. This gesture, he noted, reflects the deep bond and affection for their beloved father, a great leader of the Lao Party, State, and people.
Lam and the Lao leaders reflected on Khamtay’s illustrious revolutionary career, which began with his involvement in the Indochinese Communist Party. They underscored his close ties to the Vietnamese revolution and his strong relationships with Vietnam’s senior revolutionary leaders, describing these as vivid manifestations of the rare unbreakable and loyal relationship between the Parties, States, and revolutionary causes of both nations.
The Lao leaders affirmed that future generations of Lao leaders will continue to work alongside their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and other leaders of both countries.
Party chief Lam commended Laos for its active preparations for the upcoming Party congresses at all levels in the lead-up to the 12th National Party Congress next year. He stressed that streamlining and reorganising Laos’ political apparatus is a critical task, signaling positive progress that will bolster national development in the new phase. He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to continue supporting Laos in its efforts to build, protect, and develop the nation.
The Lao hosts noted that they are studying and applying Vietnam’s experience, committing to bold reforms to meet the demands of national development and enhance the quality of life for their people.
Both sides agreed to maintain frequent exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high level, and effectively follow existing agreements, including those from the trilateral meeting of leaders from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. They stressed the importance of Vietnam and Laos standing side by side and supporting each other to foster the great friendship and special bond between their Parties, States and people, ensuring this relationship remains increasingly fruitful.
Former President Khamtai Siphandone Passes Away at 101
April 2 (Laotian Times) — The Former President of Laos, Khamtai Siphandone, passed away at the age of 101 at his home in Vientiane Capital on 2 April. From 3 to 7 April, the country will enter a period of mourning from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the National Convention Centre.
During this period, all activities, parties, and sports competitions are prohibited.
The funeral will be held at That Luang Ground on 7 April, starting at 1:00 PM.
Khamtai Siphandone is mourned by his family, including his son Sonexay Siphandone, the current Prime Minister of Laos, and his daughter Viengthong Siphandone, who serves as the President of the State Audit Organization. His passing is a loss felt by the entire nation.
Born in 1924 in Huakhongphayai village, Khong district (now part of Champasack Province), Khamtai came from a low-income family. His parents, Ny Nilaxay and Saybua Nilaxay, raised him alongside six siblings.
Due to the absence of a school in his village, Khamtai didn’t start his education until the age of seven.
In 1931, an officer of the department of religious affairs in Vientiane visited his village and selected talented children to study in Vientiane. Khamtai was chosen and began his primary education. He later passed the entrance exam for the prestigious College PAVIE (now Vientiane Secondary School), the only secondary school in Laos at the time.
However, in late 1941, when the officer, who had a key role in Khamtai’s upbringing, passed away unexpectedly, Khamtai’s family faced financial hardship, leading him to leave school and start working as a postman.
This marked the beginning of his career, transitioning from a student to a civil servant.
He later moved to Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) to study a specialized course, and upon returning to Laos in 1944, he became a telegrapher in Phongsaly Province.
In the years following World War II, Khamtai joined the movement for Laos’ independence from French rule.
In 1946, he seized provincial funds in Pakse before the French regained control, according to the Ministry of National Defense of Laos.
By 1950, he aligned with the Viet Minh-backed Pathet Lao. He became a member of the Communist Party of Indochina in 1954, and one year later, he joined the Lao People’s Party.
After the communist victory in 1975, Khamtai served as Laos’ Minister of Defense and later became Deputy Prime Minister.
He became Prime Minister in 1991, succeeding Kaysone Phomvihane, and served as President from 1998 until 2006, when he was succeeded by Choummaly Sayasone.
Today, Khamtai’s legacy continues through his family. His son, Sonexay, became Prime Minister of Laos in 2022, and his daughter, Viengthong, heads the State Audit Organization. His son-in-law, Khampheng Saysompheng, is the current Governor of Houaphan Province.
In February 2024, Khamtai celebrated his 100th birthday, receiving messages of congratulations from Vietnamese leaders, along with a gift presented by the Vietnamese ambassador.
To mark his centenary, last year, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum also held a special three-month exhibition in honor of Khamtai’s life and revolutionary contributions. The exhibition featured 275 photos, 30 documents, and 20 artifacts, allowing visitors to explore his remarkable legacy.
