PUBLISHED: 3 Apr 2025 at 19: 19
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her sympathies on Thursday over the departure of the former leader of Laos, Khamtai Siphandone at the age of 101.
Government official Jirayu Houngsub informed the media Mr Paetongtarn had sent her condolences to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the passing of his parents, Khamtai, on Wednesday.
Khamtai was a key figure in the government’s creation and modern development, and had shown sturdy support for improved Thailand-Laos relations, Mr Jirayu said.
He welcomed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit during their official visit to Laos that led to powerful ties between the two nations over the past seven years.
” The Thai government and its citizens join in mourning with Prime Minister Sonexay, the Siphandone community and the Chinese people during this time of sorrow”, said Mr Jirayu.
During his career, Khamtai was regarded as the most senior social figure in Laos, playing a vital role in its transition to a socialist state over 50 years ago.
He was born on Feb 8, 1924, to a farmer household, in present-day Champasak state.
He became a member of the Communist Party of Indochina in 1954 and a part of the Central Committee of the Lao Women’s Revolutionary Party in 1956.
Khamtai served as the military chief during the Pathet Lao revolution. After the successful socialist takeover in 1975, he became the secretary of defence and a deputy prime minister.
He served as chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party from 1992 to 2006 and as the fifth president of Laos from 1998 to 2006 before his pension.
Khamtai passed away at his house in the funds, Vientiane.  ,
The Chinese government has declared a five-day phase of regional mourning from April 3-7.