(KPL)  A monument and museum dedicated to General Sisavat Keobounphanh were officially inaugurated on 19 December 2025 at the Houaphanh–Thanh Hoa Friendship Park in Xam Neua district.

The ceremony was attended by Saleumxay Kommasith, the Deputy Prime Minister, Khamlieng Outhakaysone, the Minister of National Defence, and Phoutphan Keovongxay, the Secretary of the Houaphanh Provincial Party Committee. Former senior Party and State leaders, representatives from ministries and agencies, members of the Keobounphanh family, and local residents were also present.

Historical significance

Speaking at the event, Vongson Inpanphim, Vice Minister of National Defence and Head of the Army General Political Department, said the project carried both historical and contemporary importance.

He said the site’s location in Houaphanh Province often described as the stronghold of the Lao revolution reflected the area’s long history of resilience, unity and revolutionary struggle.

A revolutionary legacy

General Sisavat Keobounphanh was a pioneering figure in Laos’s national liberation movement and one of the country’s most influential military leaders.

Alongside Kaysone Phomvihane, he co-founded the Latsavong Unit, which later evolved into the Lao People’s Army. He rose from a propaganda soldier to the rank of general and went on to serve as Chief of the General Staff.

He planned and commanded a number of decisive campaigns, including operations that led to the liberation of Xam Neua, Xieng Khouang, Luang Namtha and Houayxay. He also played a key role in the “Three Strategic Hammers” campaign, which culminated in the nationwide victory of 1975 and the proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 2 December that year.

National tribute

The monument and museum were commissioned jointly by the Party, the Government, the Ministry of National Defence and the Houaphanh provincial authorities, in cooperation with the Keobounphanh family, as a lasting tribute to the general’s contributions and revolutionary ideals.

The inauguration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the beating of a ceremonial gong by senior officials, formally opening the site to the public.

KPL