Choummaly Sayasone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Choummaly Sayasone
ຈູມມະລີ ໄຊຍະສອນ
Sayasone in 2015
General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
In office 21 March 2006 – 22 January 2016
Preceded by	Khamtai Siphandone (as Chairman)
Succeeded by	Bounnhang Vorachith
5th President of Laos
In office 8 June 2006 – 20 April 2016
Prime Minister	Bouasone Bouphavanh Thongsing Thammavong
Vice President	Bounnhang Vorachith
Preceded by	Khamtai Siphandon
Succeeded by	Bounnhang Vorachith
3rd Vice President of Laos
In office 27 March 2001 – 8 June 2006
President	Khamtai Siphandon
Preceded by	Oudom Khattigna
Succeeded by	Bounnhang Vorachith
Minister of National Defence
In office 15 August 1991 – 27 March 2001
Prime Minister	Bounnhang Vorachith Sisavath Keobounphanh Khamtai Siphandon
Preceded by	Khamtai Siphandon
Succeeded by	Douangchay Phichit
Personal details
Born	(1936-03-06) 6 March 1936 (age 89) Attapeu, French Protectorate of Laos, French Indochina
Political party	Lao People's Revolutionary Party
Spouse	Keosaychay Sayasone (m. 1993; died 2021)
Military service
Allegiance	Laos
Branch/service	Lao People's Army
Rank	Lieutenant General

Choummaly Sayasone (born March 6, 1936) is a politician from Laos. For ten years, from 2006 to 2016, he was the country's most important leader.

He held two major roles at the same time. He was the President of Laos, which is the official head of the country. He was also the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. In Laos, the General Secretary is the most powerful person in the government.

A Life in Politics

Choummaly Sayasone was born in a town called Attapeu. He became involved in politics and the military from a young age.

Early Career

In 1991, Sayasone became a member of the Politburo. The Politburo is a small group of the most powerful leaders in the ruling party of Laos. In the same year, he was also chosen to be the Minister of Defence, putting him in charge of the country's military. He served in this role for ten years, until 2001.

After his time as Minister of Defence, he became the third Vice President of Laos in 2001. He held this position for five years.

Leading the Nation

In March 2006, Sayasone was elected to the top job in the country: General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. This made him the most powerful leader in Laos. A few months later, on June 8, 2006, he also became the President of Laos.

He was re-elected to both positions in 2011, continuing his leadership of the country.

Retirement

In January 2016, at the age of 79, Sayasone decided not to run for re-election to the party's leadership. This signaled his retirement from politics. Bounnhang Vorachit was chosen to be the new General Secretary and later became the new President.

Personal Life

On April 4, 2021, Sayasone and his family were on a boat in a large lake called Nam Ngum Reservoir. A sudden storm caused the boat to flip over. Sayasone survived the accident, but sadly, nine other people died, including his wife, Keosaychay Sayasone, and one of his sons.

Awards and Honors

Sayasone has received high honors from other countries for his work.

•  Cuba:
  • Order of José Martí (2015)
•  Vietnam:
  • Gold Star Order (2006)

See also

In Spanish: Choummaly Sayasone para niños