Monument to former president unveiled in Vientiane

A monument to former President Nouhak Phoumsavanh was officially unveiled in Vientiane yesterday by the President of the Lao PDR, Bounnhang Vorachit, together with Party and government leaders.
The monument has been built to commemorate the life of President Nouhak Phoumsavanh who fought for years alongside President Kaysone Phomvihane and other leaders in the revolutionary movement to liberate Laos.

It also serves to highlight the pivotal role he played in the development of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic until 2008.
The monument is located at his home in Saphanthong Neua village, Sisattanak district. Historic photos highlighting Laos’ development adorn the walls of the home which also features his old office, library and other items that demonstrate his dedication to improving the lives of people around the country.
Director of the monument, Mr Khonemany Phouthavong, said the authorities wanted visitors to understand what President Nouhak Phoumsavanh did in the years before liberation and his diligent and tireless efforts for all Lao people, particularly those living in remote areas during the nation’s early development.
According to a report delivered at the opening ceremony, the monument serves to recall the work of President Nouhak to current Party and government leaders as well as the younger generation. They would be able to learn about the work of the former leader and apply his lessons to the future development of Laos.
After liberation, President Nouhak was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance by the People’s Assembly from 1975 until 1986 when he was appointed the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and Acting President of the Ministerial Assembly in Economic Affairs.
Three years later, he was appointed President of the Supreme People’s Assembly and also the President of a committee to draft the institution’s structure. In 1992 he was appointed President of the Lao PDR by the National Assembly, a post which he held until 1998.
Mr Khonemany said that many people in remote areas know President Nouhak as Phor Tou Haeng Saengsawang (Grandfather of Brightness) because after he visited their area would later have roads and electricity.
President Nouhak’s monument is the third such memorial to former leaders of Laos after the Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong monuments.
The monument is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am-12pm and from 1pm to 4pm. Admission is free for all Lao citizens and costs 5,000 kip for overseas visitors.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Latest Update April 10, 2019)