Party Secretary General and President Thongloun Sisoulith, senior Party and State leaders, former leaders and foreign dignitaries pay a final tribute to National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

Thousands pay final tribute to NA President Xaysomphone Phomvihane at state funeral

Thousands of mourners, including senior Party and government leaders, foreign dignitaries, diplomatic representatives, families of former Party and government leaders and members of the public, gathered in Vientiane on Wednesday to pay their final respects to National Assembly President Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who died last Saturday.
His funeral took place at the That Luang esplanade, where a specially prepared cremation ground was arranged to bid farewell to the long-serving leader.
During the week, a large number of wreaths were placed at the National Convention Centre, reflecting the deep respect and affection accorded to the National Assembly President.
Senior Party and government leaders, family members, foreign representatives and members of the public attended the funeral as the nation bid farewell to one of its long-serving leaders.

A Guard of Honour carries a coffin bearing the body of Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane to a specially prepared cremation site during the state funeral on Wednesday.

Party Secretary General and President Thongloun Sisoulith delivered a tribute and eulogy in honour of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, paying tribute to his life, dedicated service and contributions to national development.
Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, born on December 12, 1956, in Ban Nameo, Viengxay district, Huaphan province, was the son of President Kaysone Phomvihane and Mrs Thongvin Phomvihane and grew up in a family of revolutionary cadres.
He received his early education in Vietnam and China before studying at a military school in Viengxay and later at the State University of Moscow in the Soviet Union, where he earned a doctorate in Political Economy.
He began his career as a lecturer before holding senior positions in Savannakhet province, including Deputy Governor and Governor, and subsequently serving as Minister of Finance, and Minister and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office.
He was later appointed Vice President of the National Assembly, Secretary of the National Assembly Party Committee, and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
In 2016, he became a member of the Party Central Committee’s Politburo and served as President of the Lao Front for National Development from 2016 to 2021.
In March 2021, he was elected President of the National Assembly’s 9th legislature and in 2026 was re-elected to the Politburo and as President of the National Assembly’s 10th legislature, remaining at the helm of the country’s highest legislative body until his death on August 8.
Mr Xaysomphone fulfilled his responsibilities within the Party, government and National Assembly with dedication and sincerity. His service was recognised through numerous national-level orders and other distinctions.
As mourners gathered for the final farewell, the solemn ceremony served as a poignant reminder of a life devoted to public service and national development.
Mr Xaysomphone’s dedicated service will long be remembered, while his extensive experience, commitment and lifelong dedication to public service will remain a valuable legacy and serve as an inspiration and lesson for future generations.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update August 13, 2026)