Information ministry announces major reshuffle

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on August 7 announced the transfer and promotion of senior officials to 12 posts in various departments and institutions, to replace those who have reached retirement age.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune presided over a meeting at the National Culture Hall to announce the changes.

Ten officials who were directors general of departments or other agencies within the ministry will retire. The retiring department directors general include Director General of the Foreign Cooperation Department Mr Bounleuan Boupha, Director General of the Department of Mass Media Mr Pinprathana Phanthamaly, Director General of the Department of Performing Arts Mr Khamphuang Inthavongsy, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department Mr Soun Manivong, and Director General of the Cinema Department Mr Vithoun Soundala.
Other retiring officials were named as Director General of the Pasaxon newspaper Mr Duangchit Savatbounmy, Director General of the Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism Mr Vilaythong Sisanon, Director General of the National Institute of Fine Arts Dr Maysing Chanbouddy, Director General of the Lao News Agency Mr Sounthone Khanthavong, and Director of the National School of Performing Arts Mr Tuan Muanchanh, Mr Bounma Vatsavong Director General of Department of Tourism Management.
Among those replacing the retirees are Mr Vanxay Tavinyanh, who is Director General of Legal Affairs Department and has been appointed Director General of the Pasaxon newspaper, while Deputy Director General of the Mass Media Department Mr Somsavath Phongsa has been promoted to post of Director General.
Mr Khamphao Vannavong was appointed Director General of the Cinema Department, Ms Darany Phommavongsa was appointed Director General of the Department of Tourism Management, Mr Khamsouk Keovongxay was appointed Director General of the National Institute of Fine Arts, and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Lao News Agency, Mr Khampheuy Philapha, was promoted to the post of Director General of the news agency.
The ministry’s Deputy Head of Office, Mr Bualay Phanouvong, was promoted to the post of Acting Head of Office. Director of the National Culture Hall, Mr Khamphanh Phonthongsy, took up the post of Acting Director General of the Department of Performing Arts. Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Relations, Mr Khom Duangchantha, was appointed Acting Director General of the Department of Tourism Marketing.
Deputy Director General of the Institute of Media, Culture and Tourism, Mr Khamla Yoisaykham, was appointed Acting Director General of the institute.
Director of the National Puppet Theatre, Ms Vansy Chaleunsouk, was appointed Deputy Director General of the Department of Performing Arts. Director of the Division of Signs and Public Park Management under the Department of Mass Culture, Mr Viengphone Soukkhavong, was named Director of the National School of Performing Arts.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr Kikeo praised the achievements of the retiring officials and congratulated the new appointees. He called on them to be dedicated in carrying out their duties so as to achieve the best outcomes for the country.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 10, 2020)