National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane dies at the age of 70

Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, a member of the Politburo of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR, died on Saturday at the age of 70, according to an announcement issued by the Party Central Committee.
Mr Xaysomphone passed away at 11:18am on August 8 due to a severe inflammatory vascular disease, the announcement said.
His death is described as an immense loss for the Party, the State and the Lao people of all ethnic groups.
The announcement, issued jointly by the Party Central Committee, National Assembly, government, Lao Front for National Development and the Phomvihane family, described Mr Xaysomphone as a core leader of the Party Central Committee and an experienced and capable leader who had held leadership positions at the local level and across various sectors.
Throughout his life, he dedicated his intellect and energy to the revolutionary cause of the Party, national development, and the wellbeing of the Lao people of all ethnic groups, the announcement said.
The Party and State called on officials, Party members, members of the armed forces and all people across the country to turn their sorrow over his death into strength by maintaining unity around the Party Central Committee and continuing to advance the country’s development and reform agenda.
A nationwide mourning period will be observed for five days from August 9 to August 13, the announcement stated.
 The mourning will take place at the National Convention Hall, while the funeral will take place at the Thatluang esplanade on August 13.
The announcement was signed by the Party Central Committee, National Assembly, government, Lao Front for National Development and the Phomvihane family.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 8, 2026)