Family members, close friends, and distinguished guests pose for a group photo to mark the successful launch of the book History, Society and Culture and to honour the enduring legacy of Mr Khamma Phomkong.

A life written for the nation: book launch and commemoration of Mr Khamma Phomkong

The launch of the book “History, Society and Culture”, alongside a solemn commemoration of the life and enduring contributions of the late Mr Khamma Phomkong, was hosted by Mrs Phosy Phomkong and her family at the Grand Ballroom at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane on December 20.
The afternoon saw the venue transformed into a living chronicle of Lao history, culture, and national memories.
More than 200 guests, including linguists, writers, poets, and senior government officials, gathered not merely to honour a respected figure, but to rediscover a shared national journey shaped by words, struggle, and conviction.

Former Chief Editor of Aloun Mai Magazine Mr Bouachanh Phengsavath shares his personal memories of Mr Khamma Phomkong, describing him as a leader of great vision and humility during the commemoration event.

Distinguished attendees included former Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Boubphavanh; Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr Malaithong Kommasith; former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (presently the Ministry of Culture and Tourism) Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara; Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union Mrs Thamma Phetvixay; National Artist and Historian Mr Houmphanh Rattanavong; and renowned writer and poet Ms Dara Viravong-Kanlagna.
From the moment guests arrived, they were drawn into a carefully curated gallery of historical photographs. Many paused in silence, struck by how vividly the images captured not only Mr Khamma’s personal life, but also defining moments in the nation’s revolutionary struggle.
The exhibition portrayed him as a multifaceted figure: a pioneer of the media and a grassroots mobiliser who helped connect the people with the Neo Lao Haksad movement from the village level to the international stage.
In his keynote address, Mr Malaithong Kommasith observed that walking through the gallery felt like walking through the history of the Lao nation itself. He described Mr Khamma as an exemplary revolutionary, highlighting three defining pillars of his legacy.
First was his role in laying the foundations of the country’s industry and commerce sector, serving as Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce from 1978 to 1981 during the ministry’s formative years, and later as the first President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1989 to 1993. This was a pivotal period when Laos was restructuring toward a market-oriented economy. In these roles, Mr Khamma helped bridge Party and government policy with the Lao business community, translating ideology into practical implementation.
Secondly, Mr Malaithong described Mr Khamma as a social and cultural intellectual of great depth, a quality echoed throughout the event by scholars, artists, and former colleagues. Thirdly, he spoke of Mr Khamma as a devoted father who raised seven children to be well-educated and, more importantly, grounded in revolutionary ethics and a shared love for the country, regardless of where life had taken them.
Quoting Mr Khamma’s own words — “Not money, nor guns, but the high and pure revolutionary spirit that led the Lao people to victory” — Mr

Close friends, renowned writers, and scholars engage in a panel discussion to explore the historical and cultural significance of the newly launched book History, Society and Culture during the commemoration of Mr Khamma Phomkong.

Malaithong encouraged the audience to reflect on this teaching as a guiding moral reminder for current generations.

Grandchildren of the late Mr Khamma Phomkong recite his poetic works, symbolising the transmission of his values and revolutionary spirit to the younger generation.

A deeply personal tribute was delivered by Mr Bouachanh Phengsavath, former Chief Editor of Aloun Mai magazine, who remembered Mr Khamma as a leader of vision and humility, a man with a sharp, disciplined pen, yet always generous in mentoring younger colleagues.
The book launch and a panel discussion formed the intellectual heart of the event.
Moderated by Mr Phongsavanh Phomkong, the discussion explored the role of literature in nation-building and the evolving place of culture amid technological change.
Panelists included Mr Bouachanh, Mr Hansana Sisan, and Golden Naga Award-winning writer Mr Kabkeo Thammavong, who praised the book’s ability to distil humanity’s great questions into poetic forms accessible to both students and scholars.
The evening’s programme brought these reflections to life. The National Dance Troupe performed The Nation Arises, while musical performances included The Land of Freedom by revolutionary pioneer Mr Sisana Sisane and Remembering the Good Deeds of the Party by National Artist Mr Bouangern Xaphouvong.
One of the most poignant moments was provided by National Artist Mrs Somchit Phomsavanh, former Head of the National Circus Troupe. She recalled Mr Khamma’s leadership in the immediate aftermath of 1975, when mistrust still lingered in certain communities due to past propaganda.
She shared how Mr Khamma devised a strategy rooted in culture and empathy. He instructed performers to carry themselves with dignity and wrote poetic narratives to accompany each performance, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the stories being told.
Through these performances, the troupe won the hearts of the people, helping ease tensions and fostering national reconciliation.

Former Prime Minister Bouasone Boubphavanh, who affectionately referred to Mr Khamma as “elder brother”, spoke of him as an outstanding international communist and respected theorist.
He recalled how President Kaysone Phomvihane valued Mr Khamma’s insights and regarded him as a leading revolutionary thinker and cultural leader.
Mr Bouasone said Mr Khamma’s most remarkable qualities were his integrity and unwavering loyalty to the nation.
The evening ended on a hopeful note as Mr Khamma’s grandchildren recited his poems, symbolising the transmission of memory and cultural pride to the next generation.
As the event drew to a close, it reinforced the belief in the power of words and moral conviction to bind a nation together.

Performers from present a powerful creative work titled The Nation Arises, depicting the Lao people’s revolutionary journey during the book launch and commemoration of Mr Khamma Phomkong at the Lao Plaza Hotel.

More than 200 guests, including senior officials, scholars, and family members, gather for the official commemoration and book launch of the late Mr Khamma Phomkong.

Guests view a curated exhibition of historical photographs detailing the life and revolutionary missions of Mr Khamma Phomkong, displayed during the book launch event at the Lao Plaza Hotel.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 25, 2025)