Lao revolution and economic reform
In December 1975 he proclaimed the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic before the National Congress of People's Representatives.
Lao People’s Revolutionary Party leader and prime minister after the republic’s establishment in 1975. He maintained close Vietnamese ties and led state reorganization and market-oriented reforms in the 1980s. He became president in 1991.
Activities and affiliations
-
1955–1974
Lao People's Revolutionary Party
Political and party leadership -
1975–1992
Laos state institutionsPrime Minister, PresidentMain
Political and party leadership
Career Timeline
- 1942Joined the Indochinese Communist Party
- 1947Led resistance in northeastern Laos, organized armed forces
- 1949Founded the Lao People's Liberation Army
- 1950Minister of Defense of the Resistance Government
- 1955General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
- 1975First Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
- 1986Announced the 'new economic mechanism' (chin thanakan mai) reforms
- 1991President
Related historical events
State and economic-policy context
Lao People’s Revolutionary Party leader and prime minister after the republic’s establishment in 1975. He maintained close Vietnamese ties and led state reorganization and market-oriented reforms in the 1980s. He became president in 1991.
Building on policy changes begun in 1979, reforms relaxed price and trade controls, encouraged foreign investment and reorganized state enterprises. Decentralization coexisted with national planning. Under Kaysone Phomvihane, economic reform proceeded without a transition to multiparty politics.