Boun Oum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boun Oum
ບຸນອຸ້ມ ນະ ຈຳປາສັກ |
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| 4th Prime Minister of Laos | |
| In office 13 December 1960 – 23 June 1962 |
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| Monarch | Sisavang Vatthana |
| Preceded by | Souvanna Phouma |
| Succeeded by | Souvanna Phouma |
| In office 25 March 1949 – 24 February 1950 |
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| Monarch | Sisavang Vong |
| Preceded by | Souvannarath |
| Succeeded by | Phoui Sananikone |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 December 1912 Champasak, Laos |
| Died | 17 March 1980 (aged 68) Boulogne-Billancourt, France |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Mom Nang Buvanabarni Bouaphanh |
| Children | 9 |
Prince Boun Oum was an important leader in Laos. He was a prince from the old Kingdom of Champassak. He also served as the Prime Minister of Laos two times. He played a big role in his country's history during a time of many changes.
Prince Boun Oum: A Laotian Leader
His Early Life
Prince Boun Oum was born in 1912 in Don Talad, Laos. His father was Prince Ratsadanay, who was the Prince of Champassak. Boun Oum went to school at a monastery and later studied law in Vientiane.
In 1943, he married Mom Bouaphanh Soumpholphakdy. They had nine children together. After his father passed away in 1946, Boun Oum became the head of the Princely House of Champassak.
To help create a single country, the Kingdom of Laos, he gave up some of his rights. This helped unite different parts of Laos. He also served on the Royal Council and as an Inspector-General for the kingdom.
Leading Laos
Prince Boun Oum was a strong supporter of the French during a difficult time in Laos. He led a large group of 15,000 fighters. They fought against Japanese troops and a group called the Lao Issara in southern Laos.
He was a key leader of the royalist group. He became the Prime Minister of Laos two times. His first term was from March 1949 to February 1950. He served again from December 1960 to June 1962. The National Assembly chose him for this role.
After his time as Prime Minister, he left politics. He focused on his business interests in Pakse and Champassak. He remained a powerful figure in Laos until 1975. That year, the communist group called the Pathet Lao took control of the country.
In 1975, Prince Boun Oum went to France for medical care. He never returned to Laos. He passed away in 1980 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. His ashes are buried in France, next to his wife.
Awards and Honours
Prince Boun Oum received many awards for his service. These awards came from Laos and other countries.
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol (Laos)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Laos (Laos)
- Commander of the Order of Civic Merit of Laos (Laos)
- Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant (Thailand)
- Grand Officer of the Royal Order of Cambodia (Cambodia)
- Commander of the Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
- Combatant's Cross (France)
- Croix de Guerre (France)
- Medal of French Gratitude (France)
- Indochina Campaign commemorative medal (France)
- Resistance Medal (France)
See also
In Spanish: Boun Oum para niños
