(KPL) Lao people gathered at That Luang Esplanade in Vientiane on April 7 to pay their final respects to General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, former State President, and former Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, at a state funeral held in his honour.

General Khamtay passed away due to natural causes on April 2, 2025, at the age of 102.

Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, senior Party and government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, relatives, and members of the Siphandone family attended the solemn ceremony.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was among the foreign dignitaries present during a special tribute held on Monday.

Throughout the country, national flags were flown at half-mast, while celebratory gatherings, entertainment, cultural, and sporting events were suspended during the national mourning period from April 3 to 7. 

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam described General Khamtay as an eminent figure of the first generation of Lao revolutionaries.

He credited him with playing a pivotal role in the national democratic revolution and the development of the country. General Khamtay, he said, was a pioneer in implementing the Party’s comprehensive renewal policy and a loyal, close, and steadfast friend of Vietnam. “His passing,” To Lam noted, “is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of both Laos and Vietnam.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping praised General Khamtay as a steadfast communist, an outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao Party and State, and a close comrade and friend of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a message of condolence that key moments in the modern history of the Lao PDR are closely tied to General Khamtay's leadership. He described him as one of the most prominent figures in Laos’ struggle for national liberation and the establishment of the Lao PDR.

Cuban leaders, First Secretary of the Communist Party Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz acknowledged General Khamtay’s significant role in fostering the historic ties between Laos and Cuba.

They described his legacy as “invaluable and lasting,” one that will continue to inspire future generations and revolutionaries worldwide. 

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida also offered their condolences, noting that General Khamtay, during his tenure as Prime Minister, played a vital role in enhancing the close and familial relationship between Laos and Thailand.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described General Khamtay as a patriot, revolutionary, and outstanding leader of the Party and the nation, deeply respected and beloved by the multi-ethnic Lao people. “Throughout his life,” he said, “General Khamtay devoted his wisdom and strength to the revolutionary cause, national development, and the betterment of the lives of the Lao people.”

KPL