Pathet Lao and the first presidency
A Lao royal and revolutionary leader associated with the Pathet Lao. He participated in coalition and national reconciliation institutions and became the Lao PDR’s first president in 1975. His role differed from Kaysone Phomvihane’s leadership of party and government.
Related historical events
State and economic-policy context
A Lao royal and revolutionary leader associated with the Pathet Lao. He participated in coalition and national reconciliation institutions and became the Lao PDR’s first president in 1975. His role differed from Kaysone Phomvihane’s leadership of party and government.
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.