What lessons would a nation’s leader choose to leave for future generations?

In Letters to My Grandchildren, President Thongloun Sisoulith opens a window into his life through a collection of heartfelt letters written during official journeys abroad between 2014 and 2019. More than a family memoir, the book recounts an extraordinary journey from a humble childhood in a remote village in Huaphan province to the highest office in the Lao PDR.

Through vivid recollections of hardship, perseverance, education, and public service, President Thongloun shares the experiences and values that shaped his character and leadership. Readers will encounter the story of a young boy who crossed rivers to attend school, overcame poverty and adversity, and remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge and service to the nation.
Rich with personal reflections and life lessons, Letters to My Grandchildren offers a rare and intimate portrait of the man behind the presidency while providing inspiration for young people, parents, and leaders alike. It is a story not only of one individual’s journey but also of resilience, dedication, and the enduring belief that determination can transform even the most modest beginnings into a life of remarkable achievement.
The book comprises 12 chapters, and the Vientiane Times will present each chapter in the newspaper.

Chapter 2 - The Road to School
After examining her, he said she needed to take a certain number of pills each day, receive a certain number of injections, and so on. I asked whether he had the medicine in his bag or if we had to buy it. He said he had some, but most would have to be purchased at the Vietnam border. I asked him to start treating my mother with what he had, and for the rest, we would sell our buffalo to get money to buy it, because right then we had no cash. He agreed, but said the medicine to be used immediately required a deposit. I pleaded that since I had no deposit, I could work his rice fields for about two days to pay him back. He took pity and agreed. I invited one of my cousins to go with me, and with the two of us transplanting rice for two days, we earned 10 tablets and two vials for injections, which he administered to my mother over two days. My father took the buffalo to sell at the Vietnam border and was able to buy the rest of the medicine to treat my mother for three months. She finally recovered to normal, and family life returned to what it had been. So I asked my father to go to the school principal to request my readmission. He said there were only about three weeks left before the exam to finish Grade 3 and move up to Grade 4: if I passed, I could advance; if not, I would have to repeat. I was delighted to return and decided to make up all the lessons I’d missed over those three months without taking any breaks. In the end, I passed and advanced to Grade 4. Two years later, I traveled to Xamneua, the capital of Huaphan province, to sit the primary-school completion exam. I success fully completed the full primary course with high marks—the highest level of schooling then available anywhere in Huaphan at the time. I and my parents were immensely proud.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 9, 2026)