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

Continued from the last issue

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, Presi-dent 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, over-came 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 3 - The Path Toward Teacher-Training (Primary Level), First Intake of the Lao Patriotic Front
It still took two days because the road was so bad. Many times the truck sank into mud and we all had to get out to dig and push, lay down logs for traction, and inch it forward bit by bit. When we reached the place where the enemy had once ambushed us with gunfire, my hair stood on end, but I took comfort in the fact that the truck was full of people and some were armed. The nearer we came to Xamneua, the more I worried: Where would the truck stop? I’d never been to Xamneua. When it stopped, where would I go, whom could I ask, who could I rely on? Questions churned in my mind—with no answers. By chance, the truck stopped to let passen-gers off right in front of Aunt Chansamone and Uncle Ninthong’s house (Uncle Ninthong was a teacher in Sob Hao; Aunt Chansamone was from Nonghan village), both of whom I knew well. I asked if I could stay with them; they agreed at once, indeed, they too were waiting to sit the en-trance exam for the teacher-training school. I stayed with them for nearly a month, until I moved into the dormitory and left their home.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 17, 2026)