Khamtai Siphandone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Khamtai Siphandone
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ຄຳໄຕ ສີພັນດອນ
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Siphandone in 2004
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| Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party | |
| In office 24 November 1992 – 21 March 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Succeeded by | Choummaly Sayasone (as General Secretary) |
| 4th President of Laos | |
| In office 24 February 1998 – 8 June 2006 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Vice President |
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| Preceded by | Nouhak Phoumsavanh |
| Succeeded by | Choummaly Sayasone |
| 12th Prime Minister of Laos | |
| In office 15 August 1991 – 24 February 1998 |
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| President | |
| Preceded by | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Succeeded by | Sisavath Keobounphanh |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Laos | |
| In office 2 December 1975 – 15 August 1991 Serving with Nouhak Phoumsavan, Phoumi Vongvichit and Phoun Sipraseuth
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| Minister of Defense | |
| In office 2 December 1975 – 15 August 1991 |
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| Prime Minister | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Preceded by | Post established |
| Succeeded by | Choummaly Sayasone |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 February 1924 Champasak, Laos, French Indochina |
| Died | 2 April 2025 (aged 101) Vientiane, Laos |
| Political party | Lao People's Revolutionary Party (1955–2006) |
| Spouse | Thongvanh Siphandone |
| Children | 6, including Sonexay, Viengthong |
| Relatives | Khampheng Saysompheng (son-in-law) |
Khamtai Siphandone (Lao: ຄຳໄຕ ສີພັນດອນ) was an important leader in Laos. He was born on February 8, 1924, and passed away on April 2, 2025. He led the main political party in Laos, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, from 1992 to 2006. He also served as the fourth president of Laos from 1998 to 2006. Choummaly Sayasone took over his roles after him.
Khamtai Siphandone joined the Indochinese Communist Party in 1954. By 1956, he became a member of the Central Committee for the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
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Early Life and Education
Khamtai Siphandone was born on February 8, 1924. His family lived in a village called Huakhongphayai in Khong district, Laos. He was one of six children in a farming family from southern Laos, in what is now Champasak province.
When he was seven, in 1931, he was chosen to study in the capital city, Vientiane. This is how he started his primary education. He later went to College PAVIE for high school. However, he had to leave in 1941 because he could no longer afford his studies.
First Jobs and Joining the Movement
Khamtai Siphandone's first job was as a postman. After taking a special course in Saigon, he became a telegrapher in Phongsaly province in 1944.
After Second World War ended, he joined the Lao Issara movement. This group wanted Laos to be independent and did not want the French to rule Laos again.
Before the French took control of Savannakhet in March 1946, Siphandone took all the money from the provincial fund. He became an officer in the armed part of the movement. By 1948, he was their representative for southern Laos. When Lao Issara split in 1950, he joined the Pathet Lao, which was supported by Viet Minh.
Rise in the Party
In 1954, Siphandone became a member of the Communist Party of Indochina. The next year, in 1955, he joined the Lao People's Party. He served on its central committee starting in 1957. He was a close friend and trusted helper of the first party leader, Kaysone Phomvihane.
In 1962, he became the chief of staff for the Pathet Lao's armed forces. By 1966, he was the commander-in-chief of the "Lao People's Liberation Army." This army fought against the royal troops in the Laotian Civil War, with help from North Vietnam. In 1972, he became a member of the Politburo of the LPRP.
Political Career in Laos
Khamtai Siphandone was the military leader of the Pathet Lao rebellion. After the Communist party took power in 1975, he became the Minister of Defense. He also served as a Deputy Prime Minister of Laos.
During the 5th Party Congress in 1991, Siphandone was the third most important person in the party leadership. He was behind Kaysone Phomvihane and Nouhak Phoumsavanh. On August 15, 1991, he became the Prime Minister of Laos, taking over from Kaysone. After Kaysone, the long-time party leader, passed away in 1992, Siphandone became the Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.
Siphandone became the President of Laos in 1998, following Nouhak Phoumsavanh. At the 8th Party Congress in 2006, he became an advisor to the LPRP Central Committee.
He remained the party leader until March 21, 2006, when Choummaly Sayasone took his place. He stepped down as president in June 2006, after the 2006 Laotian parliamentary election.
Family Life
Khamtai Siphandone was married to Thongvanh Siphandone. They had six children. His son, Sonexay, became the Prime Minister of Laos in 2022. His daughter, Viengthong, is currently the President of the State Audit Organization.
On February 8, 2024, Khamtai Siphandone turned 100 years old. He received congratulatory messages from leaders of Vietnam. The Vietnamese ambassador to Laos even presented a birthday gift to his son, Sonexay.
Death and Funeral
Khamtai Siphandone passed away at his home in Vientiane on April 2, 2025. He was 101 years old. The government of Laos announced a period of mourning from April 3 to April 7.
Many world leaders sent messages of sympathy after his death. These included leaders from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Singapore, Belarus, and Cambodia. On April 3, a high-ranking group from Vietnam visited Vientiane to pay their respects. Vietnam also announced a two-day mourning period starting April 4. Cuba announced a one-day mourning period from April 5.
Siphandone was given a state funeral on April 7, 2025. The ceremony took place at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane.
Awards and Honours
Khamtai Siphandone received several important awards during his life:
Laos:
Cuba:
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See also
In Spanish: Khamtai Siphandon para niños
