A view of Mekong River.

Breaking news: Sonexay Siphandone elected Prime Minister replacing Phankham Viphavanh

The National Assembly (NA) on Friday elected Mr Sonexay Siphandone, former Deputy Prime Minister, as the new Prime Minister, replacing his predecessor Phankham Viphavanh.
Mr Phankham, who assumed office as premier in March 2021, announced his resignation at the 4th ordinary session of the NA’s 9th legislature on the day.
He told law makers that he submitted a letter of resignation to President Thongloun Sisoulith earlier, citing his age and health condition.
The unfit health is unfavourable to undertake the hard work amid current economic and financial hardship, he said, referring to economic woes, including record-high inflation rates the country is facing.
The election of the new PM to the five-year-term premiership is made in response to proposal made by President Thongloun Sisoulith.
The story is being updated.   

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update December 30, 2022)