The 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Laos celebrates three milestones in history of the Party and nation

This story marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane this year.

The year 2025 is a particularly meaningful and memorable year for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with citizens from all walks of life celebrating three landmarks in the glorious history of the Party and nation.
Throughout the year, the entire Party, State, armed forces, and Lao people of all ethnic groups united in joy and pride to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane, the inspirational leader of the Lao revolution.
These important anniversaries were celebrated nationwide in a vibrant, dignified, and orderly atmosphere, reflecting the deep-rooted revolutionary traditions and strong unity within Laos.
The first historic milestone was the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, commemorated on March 22. The Party and State organised a grand mass rally in Vientiane, shared by participants across the country both in-person and online.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Secretary General of the People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith; member of the Politburo and Lao Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone; members of the Politburo and the Party Central Committee; former high-ranking leaders of the Party and State; senior revolutionary officials; leaders of ministries and other government bodies; retired officials; officers and soldiers in the armed forces; civil servants; students, other young people, and representatives of mass organisations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thongloun Sisoulith highlighted the glorious tradition of struggle, growth, and continuous development of the Party, as well as the heroic history of the Lao revolutionary movement under the leadership of the LPRP from its founding to the present day.
Seventy years ago, on March 22, 1955, the Lao People’s Party—now known as the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party—was founded in the revolutionary stronghold in Huaphan province, under the leadership of President Kaysone Phomvihane. The establishment of the Party responded to the urgent demands of the revolutionary struggle against imperialist domination and became a decisive factor in the growth and victory of the Lao revolutionary forces.
This historic event was an inseparable part of the Indochinese revolution and the global progressive movement, forever engraving March 22 as a significant date in Laos’ history.
Another major highlight of 2025 was the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, celebrated with a mass rally and parade on the morning of December 2 at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane.
The ceremony was led by President Thongloun Sisoulith; General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Comrade To Lam; senior Lao Party and State leaders; high-level delegations from friendly countries including Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, and Russia; ambassadors and representatives of international organisations; retired revolutionary leaders; and a large number of local residents.
In his speech, President Thongloun Sisoulith recalled the heroic and arduous struggle of the Lao revolutionary fighters under the leadership of the LPRP, which led to complete victory over imperialism and the establishment of the Lao PDR on December 2, 1975.
Over the past 50 years of safeguarding and development, Laos has steadfastly upheld its revolutionary spirit and principles, which continue to be invaluable lessons in leading the country forward, the president said.
He emphasised the unwavering ideals of the Party and the shared aspirations of the Lao people to firmly adhere to the socialist path, foster national unity, consolidate the people’s democratic regime, and build a state that truly belongs to the people, serves the people, and works for the prosperity and wellbeing of all ethnic groups.
These ideals, he stressed, must be upheld by both the present generation and future generations to ensure the country’s steady advancement on the road to socialism.
Following his speech, a solemn grand parade took place, enjoyed with enthusiasm by both participants and spectators. The parade featured multiple units, beginning with the national flag and Party flag contingents, followed by a group carrying the National Emblem, and formations representing central state institutions. This was followed by parades representing members of the National Defence and Public Security forces, and a large procession comprising 20 formations representing young people, women, workers, mass organisations, ministries, other sectors, Vientiane, and cultural and artistic units, all showcasing the strength, unity, and vitality of the Lao nation.
The third significant event was the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane, commemorated with great respect and reverence in Vientiane on December 12. The ceremony was attended by President Thongloun Sisoulith, senior Party and State leaders past and present, venerable monks, ambassadors, retired officials, civil servants, members of the armed forces, and representatives of other relevant sectors.
The ceremony honoured the great achievements and noble virtues of President Kaysone Phomvihane, the founder and nurturer of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the architect of the people’s revolutionary armed forces, and the outstanding leader who guided the liberation struggle to victory, bringing independence and freedom through the establishment of the Lao PDR.
On December 13, leaders and the people of Vientiane, led by President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife, together offered alms to 105 monks at the President Kaysone Phomvihane Museum. This meaningful activity dedicated merit to President Kaysone Phomvihane, the beloved and respected leader of the Lao nation, reflecting the deep gratitude and lasting remembrance of his immense contributions.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update December 19, 2025)