National Assembly members are continuing to debate and approve a range of issues during the five-day sitting this week.

Inaugural session of 10th National Assembly approves Laos’ top leadership

The National Assembly (NA) on Monday reaffirmed the country’s top leadership and approved other key state positions during the first session of its 10th Legislature, signalling continuity in governance following the recent general election.
The five-day session is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
Assembly members re-elected Thongloun Sisoulith as President, maintaining his role as Head of State. At the same time, the former President of the Supreme People’s Court, Dr Viengthong Siphandone, was elected as Vice President.
The Assembly also re-elected Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane as President of the NA, while the National Assembly’s Vice Presidents are Dr Sounthone Xayachack, Dr Kongkeo Xaysongkham, Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham, and Mr Monxay Laomuaxong.
Members also approved the National Assembly Standing Commission, along with the Head of the National Assembly Office and the leaders of the NA’s various commissions. Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh was appointed as Head of the NA Office and member of the Standing Commission.
Other key appointments include Ms Amphayvone Lombounpheng as Chairperson of the Cultural, Social and Ethnic Affairs Commission, Ms Thoummaly Vongphachanh as Chairperson of the Law and Justice Commission, Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission, Brigadier General Soulixay Phichit as Chairman of the National Defence and Security Commission, and Mr Chanthaboun Soukaloun as Chairman of the Economics and Finance Commission.
Dr Sonexay Siphandone will continue to serve as Prime Minister, ensuring stability in the executive branch.
The Deputy Prime Ministers are Dr Khamphanh Phommathat, who is also Minister of Justice; Associate Prof. Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek, who is also Minister of Education and Sports; General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, who is Minister of National Defence; Mr Santiphab Phomvihane, who is Minister of Finance; and Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, who is Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith has been appointed as Standing Deputy Prime Minister. The National Assembly also approved the leaders of key judicial and regulatory bodies.
Mr Phayvy Sybualypha was appointed President of the Supreme People’s Court, while Brigadier General Livong Laoly was approved as President of the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor. Mr Viengthavisone Thephachanh was re-elected as President of the State Audit Organisation and Mr Vanxay Phongsavanh was appointed President of the State Inspection Authority.
The inaugural session of the 10th Legislature has signalled a wish for continuity and stability, with the country’s leadership largely unchanged as Laos advances its governance and socio-economic development agenda.
The government believes that by retaining most of the officials holding top government posts, the goals of the nation’s socio-economic development agenda can be fulfilled, including the push for a self-reliant economy, and success in tackling the challenges that lie ahead.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update March 25, 2026 )