Laos considers renaming Pakse after former president Khamtai Siphandone

2026-03-27 - 10:40

Authorities in southern Laos are considering renaming Pakse, the main city of Champasak province, to Khamtai Siphandone City, in honour of the late former president. The proposal is currently undergoing official procedures, with local authorities preparing documents and consultations for approval by the provincial assembly. If endorsed, it will be forwarded to the national government for a final decision. Khamtai Siphandone, who died on 2 April 2025 at the age of 101, was a key figure in Laos’ modern political history. He served as chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party from 1992 to 2006 and as the country’s fourth president from 1998 to 2006. Born in 1924 in Khong district, now part of Champasak province, Khamtai joined the independence movement after World War II and played a significant role in the country’s revolutionary struggle. If approved, the renaming would mark a major symbolic shift for one of southern Laos’ most important urban centres.