Nouhak Phoumsavanh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nouhak Phoumsavanh
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| 3rd President of Laos | |
| In office 25 November 1992 – 24 February 1998 |
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| Prime Minister | Khamtay Siphandon |
| Vice President | Sisavath Keobounphanh |
| Preceded by | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Succeeded by | Khamtai Siphandon |
| President of the National Assembly of Laos | |
| 2nd term | |
| In office 1 June 1989 – 25 November 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Sisomphon Lovansay (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Samane Vignaket |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Laos | |
| 1st term | |
| In office 2 December 1975 – January 1982 Serving with Phoumi Vongvichit, Phoun Sipaseut and Khamtai Siphandon
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| Prime Minister | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Minister of Finance | |
| 1st term | |
| In office 2 December 1975 – 1983 |
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| Prime Minister | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Preceded by | Post established |
| Succeeded by | Yao Phonvantha |
| Head of the LPRP Central Committee Organisation Commission | |
| 1st term | |
| In office 1964–1972 |
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| General Secretary | Kaysone Phomvihane |
| Preceded by | Sisomphone Lovansay |
| Succeeded by | Sisomphone Lovansay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 April 1910 Mukdahan, Siam |
| Died | 9 September 2008 (aged 98) Vientiane, Laos |
| Political party | Lao People's Revolutionary Party |
Nouhak Phoumsavanh (born April 9, 1910 – died September 9, 2008) was an important leader in Laos. He was a key member of the Pathet Lao, a political movement that aimed for independence. He also served as the 3rd President of Laos from 1992 to 1998.
Contents
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Nouhak was born in 1910 in a place called Ban Phalouka, which is in Mukdahan Province, a part of what is now Thailand. He first got married in 1933 to Chanthome, and they had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounema.
In 1945, Nouhak became one of the first members of the Lao revolutionary movement. This group worked to change the government in Laos. By 1949, he was leading the Lao Resistance Committee for the Eastern Region.
Becoming a Key Leader
In 1950, Nouhak was made the Minister of Finance in the Lao Resistance Government. This meant he was in charge of the country's money. In 1955, he helped start the Lao People's Party, which later became known as the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). He was chosen as the second most important person in its main leadership group, called the Central Committee.
Nouhak continued to be a significant figure. He worked in the capital city, Vientiane, and was a member of the National Assembly in 1958. This assembly is like a parliament where laws are made.
Challenges and Rise to Power
In 1959, Nouhak was arrested and spent a year in prison. But he managed to escape with another important leader, Souphanouvong. During the Laotian Civil War in the 1960s and 1970s, he played key roles in the party.
In 1972, he was elected to the Politburo, which is the highest decision-making body of the LPRP. He was put in charge of economic matters for the country.
Leading Laos
When the Pathet Lao group took control of Laos in December 1975, Nouhak became the Deputy Prime Minister and also the Minister of Finance. For many years, he was seen as the "Number 2" leader, right after Prime Minister Kaysone Phomvihane.
In 1982, he became the First Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers. Then, in 1986, he was put in charge of all economic affairs for the government.
President of the National Assembly
In 1989, Nouhak was elected to the Supreme People's Assembly, which is another name for the National Assembly. He became its President in the same year. He also led the group that wrote a new constitution for Laos, which was approved in 1991. This new constitution made the role of President more powerful.
Becoming President of Laos
After Kaysone Phomvihane passed away, Nouhak was chosen to be the next President of Laos. He was elected by the Supreme People's Assembly on November 25, 1992.
Even though the President had more power, the Prime Minister, Khamtai Siphandon, was still the most powerful person in the country because he was the head of the LPRP.
Retirement and Later Years
In 1998, when Khamtai Siphandon decided to become President, Nouhak retired. He left office on February 24, 1998. At that time, he was one of the oldest leaders in the world.
Nouhak continued to be an important adviser to the LPRP even after retiring from the presidency. He was known for staying healthy and active, even visiting different parts of the country by helicopter until 2007.
Nouhak Phoumsavanh passed away on September 9, 2008, at the age of 98. The government announced that he died of "old age." A special committee was formed to arrange his funeral, and the country observed five days of national mourning. He was cremated in Vientiane on September 14.
See also
In Spanish: Nouhak Phoumsavanh para niños
