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Flag of Laos

Before 1975 After 1975

Published by the Study and Research Center on Laos and Asia Union for Lao Nation 2014

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Throughout its long history, since the founding of the Kingdom of Lane Xang by the August King in 1353, Laos has become an extended country covering a large territory in the West up to the plateau of Korat, in the North up to Lanna Northern of , once part of Shan State to Southern Son La Province (now Dien Bien Phu). In the South from Kone Tum (now Province of )down to Strung Teng Province of Kampuchea.

The unsettled situation since the 15 th century, due to aggression—invasion—and territorial expansion by its bigger and powerful neighboring countries, and a long period under French Protectorate as well as internal dissention and plotted intrigues, continuously ravaged the country. Even at the present, it becomes the object of the covetous lust of foreign interference; and the struggle for autonomy will continue until they regain their true independence and sovereignty which the August King Fa Ngum exemplified by his unification of the country.

Current Laos merely covers 91,430 square miles. It’s the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, surrounded by five countries: in the North, Myanmar in the Northwest, Thailand in the West, in the South, and the longest Eastern border by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Prior to 1975, Laos was a constitutional monarchy, also known as the Country of a Million Elephants and White Parasol or Lane Xang Kingdom of Laos . The country was governed on the pattern of the British Royalty where the King was only symbol of the Unity of the multi-ethnic Lao people.

The last King of the Lane Xang Kingdom of Laos was dethroned by the communist power on November 29, 1975. And on December 2, 1975, the Kingdom of Laos has become a Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a one party state.

Turning point of Laos’ recent history*:

At the end of the World War II, the Indochinese war began.

It was a liberation war of nationalists of three countries: Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia against the French occupation. The Indochinese Union was established, led by Vietnam. This was the ultimate goals and dreams of , the leader of the Communist Indochinese Party.

In Laos, the Lao Issara (Free Laos Movement) was found, under the leadership of Prince Phetsarath, including his brother Prince and half-brother Prince . After the return of French forces, the Lao Issara fled to Thailand and formed the Lao Issara Government in Exile, led by Prince Phetsarath. Later on, the Government in Exile was divided into two clans. One agreed with the proposal of to return to Laos and form a new government, led by Khammao Vilay, including Prince Souvanna Phouma. The other clan led by Prince Souphanouvong, went join the army under Ho Chi Minh leadership, saying that the independence given by France was fake and incomplete. Prince Phetsarath remained in Thailand, calling for unification for his return.

The separation from the Lao Issara Government by Prince Souphanouvong and his joining the Viet Minh were the beginning of the broken Laotian society and the collapse of the Kingdom of Lao Lane Xang.

After the defeat of France in Indochina war, a Peace Accord was signed on July 21, 1954 in Geneva, Switzerland, by the United States, Great Britain, France, , China, North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The Accord disagreed to divide Laos into two Laos like Vietnam. However, it was resolved that two Northern provinces of Laos, Phongsaly and Houa Phanh (Sam Neua) were given to the Pathet Lao (Prince Souphanouvong Movement) as their base to assemble their armed forces. It was also agreed that complete withdraw of foreign armed troops was mandatory and no additional war weapons were permitted in Laos.

On December 25, 1955, Prime Minister Prince Souvanna Phouma announced the national election, but Prince Souphanouvong refused to participate in the election.

In creating the favorable environment for the nation reconciliation, Prince Souvanna Phouma, the leader of the ______* Article – LIRDALONA, a Lao Newsletter by former law students in Laos

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Neutralist Party formed a temporary government to negotiate with the Pathet Lao to join the Royal Government in hope to resolve the nation conflicts. But his efforts collapsed as disputes on positions in the temporary government occurred.

On May 12, 1957, Agreement was reached, allowing the Neo Lao Hak Xat Party’s armed forces to be integrated into the National Army. The Pathet Lao changed their name to Neo Lao Hak Xat Party.

On March 4, 1958, the national election took place. The Neo Lao Hak Xat Party won 20 seats out of the total 59 seats, marking a net success of the Neo Lao Hak Xat Party. The composition of the government was: - Prime Minister and Minister of Posts & Telecommunications, and Information: Prince Souvanna Phouma - Minister of Interior and Social Welfare: Katay Donh-Sasorith Deputy Minister of Interior: Tiao Somsanith - Minister of Foreign Affairs: - Minister of Education: Gnouy Abhay - Minister of Finance: Leuam Insixiengmai Deputy Minister of Finance: Tiao Nith Nokham - Minister of Defense, Veterans, Sports and Youth: Ngone Sananikone - Minister of Economy: Ounheuane Norasing Deputy Minister of Economy Nouphat Chounramany - Minister of Public Works and Transportation: Tiao Souk Bouavong ** Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transportation: Bouasy - Minister of Health and Tourism: Dr. Oudom Souvannavong - Minister of Planning, Reconstruction and Urbanism: Prince Souphanouvong ** - Minister of Justice: Thongdy Sounthonevichit - Minister of Cults and Arts: Phoumy Vongvichith **

- This was the first national unification -

It is worthwhile to note that in fact, at that time, the Kingdom of Laos was still divided: Each side had its own territory, its own administration, and its own army. This had caused huge challenges and obstacles all along for Laos. Moreover, each side was supported and backed up by foreign countries, creating mistrust toward one another.

The entire nation was overjoyed when the Coalition Government was finally formed. The peace was finally here. Unfortunately, it was only a dream. Laos was pulled again in different directions by foreign forces. The two sides were unable to trust one another, looking for one another weakness and fault; especially the Neo Lao Hak Xat who made every effort to take advantage of the situation to destroy the unity within the Coalition Government.

On June 13, 1958, in order to balance the power in the government, the faction who embraced the neutrality established the “Lao Hom Lao” (Lao Unification) Party, under Prince Souvanna Phouma leadership, assisted by Katay Donh-Sasorith and Phoui Sananikone. And on the 29 th the same month, a group of educated nationalists created a Movement called “Committee for the National Interests Protection” supported by General Phoumi Nosavan and the United States of America. The Committee’s goals were to stop the communist movement and destroy its machine, in the efforts to prevent it advance into the Laotian society and spreading this evil doctrine into other Asian countries. The United States poured $US currency into Laos in these efforts, creating inevitable inflation in Laos and by there the unstable economy.

Apr. 14, 1959 Prince Phetsarath returned home following the nation invitation.

Apr. 15, 1959 Prince Phethsarath was reappointed Vice Roy of the Kingdom of Laos, by H.M. the King.

Oct. 15, 1959 Prince Phetsarath died.

Oct. 29, 1959 H.M. the King died.

Nov. 1, 1959 Crown Prince Savang Watthana was enthroned. ** Held by the Neo Lao Hak Xat

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Prince Souvanna Phouma resigned as he failed to reconcile the national conflicts, and appointed Phoui Sananikone to form a new government who also failed to unify the country.

The Neo Lao Hak Xat who never complied to the Geneva Peace Accord nor obeyed to the government’s order to lay down weapons and dissolved their armed forces and be integrated in the Royal Army. Contrarily, the Neo Lao Hak Xat troops were fighting the Royal army in . As a result, 17 members of the Neo Lao Hak Xat including Prince Souphanouvong were imprisoned in Vientiane detention center for rebellion. But with the prison guards’ complicity, the Neo Lao Hak Xat escaped and rejoined their base in the North. Laos was in great turmoil. The Neo Lao Hak Xat, who were backed up by the Soviet Union and North Vietnam, consolidated their armed forces trained and controlled for all activities by North Vietnamese since till today. The Soviet Union openly provided support to the Neo Lao Hakxat in the name of the communist bloc, creating a conflict between the super powers of the free world camp and the communist camp. As a result, under tremendous pressure and with no choice, Laos was pulled into the international political stage.

The situation in Laos was in decay. The hopes for peace and national reconciliation were destroyed.

On August 9, 1960, a military coup took place, staged by General Kong Le the commander of the 2 nd Parachutist Battalion (he was then a captain). The Revolutionary Committee called upon Prince Souvanna Phouma to form and lead a new government to resolve the national issues. The new government included all faction members except the Neo Lao Hak Xat, which was opposed by the United States who immediately cut aids to Laos.

On September 10, 1960, to oppose to the new government tendency toward the neutrality policy, General Phoumy Nosavan ordered the Army 3rd and 4 th Divisions to ignore the Constitution and expel General Kong Le’s government and his armed forces from Vientiane. Prince Souvanna Phouma and the newly formed government fled to seek refuge in Cambodia; and later on returned to Laos and occupied the Northern province of Xieng Khouang as the base for the ‘Neutralist Government’. Prince Souvanna Phouma had asked the Neo Lao Hak Xat to join his government in requesting aids from socialist countries to fight the sitting government of the Right, led by Prime Minister Prince Na Chanpassak.

The intervention of the Soviet Union in openly providing aids to the Neutralist Government and the taking side of the United States with the government of the Right created de facto three governments in Laos: the Government of the Right, the Neutralist Government, and the Government of the Left, where the two latter joined force to destroy the government of the Right.

Guerilla wars took place in every corner of the country, causing Lao people to displace from their native towns and villages to seek refuge in safer places. The people were desperate. They lost trust and confidence in the leadership of their government, they were confused -- uncertain who to trust, and became indifferent to the imminent disaster faced their county. Everyone was on one’s survival mode. No one worried about the survival of the nation.

Armed Conflicts and uprisings were occurring in Vietnam and Cambodia as well, and increasingly developing.

In Laos, in order to reach the peace agreement, each faction must cease their armed conflicts and foreign countries must end their interference in Laos.

To normalize the situation in Laos, the super powers of the free world such as Great Britain, France, and the United States as the leader; in the socialist side, the Soviet Union, China, and Vietnam called a meeting to review the 1954 Geneva Accord and to take appropriate measures to secure the peace in Laos.

On May 16, 1961, the multilateral conference took place in Geneva, co-presided by England and the Soviet Union. The meeting called upon the three political factions in Laos to end their fights; and also established an International Control Commission (ICC) to control the peace in Laos. The Commission members consisted of Poland, India, and Canada. In addition, the meeting had considered ways to make sure Laos became a neutral country and elect a Coalition Government to ensure the neutrality and peace in Laos.

In June 1962, the three faction leaders, Prince Souvanna Phouma, Prince Boun Oum Na Champassak, and Prince Souphanouvong finally reached an agreement to form a tasked government to make sure their respective armed

4 forces be integrated and become part of the national army; and also to proclaim that Laos was a non-aligned country.

In August 1962, an international conference was held in Paris, France. As a result, Prince Souvanna Phouma was selected as the Prime Minister of the new Coalition Government, which was also agreed by both Prince Boun Oum and Prince Souphanouvong. At the later date, on October 8, 1964, a meeting was held in Ban Hin Heub, Xieng Khouang province , the base of the Neutralist Government to divide the ministerial posts among the three factions: The Neutralist faction received 7 (N), the Right received 4 (R), the Left received 4 (L), and the Neutralists non- engaged received 4 positions(NN). The new Coalition Government was composed as the following:

- Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Veterans, and Social Action: Prince Souvanna Phouma (N) - Minister of Foreign Affairs: Kinim Pholsena (N) Deputy Minister of Veterans: Gen. Heuan Mongkholvilay (N) Deputy Minister of Social Action: Khampheng Boupha (N) - Minister of Interior and Social Welfare: Pheng Phongsavan (N) - Minister of Health: Khamsouk Keola (N) - Minister of Posts and Telecommunications: Tiao Sisoumang Sisaleumsack (N)

- Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Finance: Gen. Phoumi Nosavan (R) Deputy Minister of Finance: Phouangphet Phannareth (R) - Minister of Education, Arts, Sports, and Youth: Leuam Insixiengmai (R) Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Youth: Bounthong Voravong (R)

- Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Planning: Prince Souphanouvong (L) Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning: Khamfeuan Tounarom (L) - Minister of Information, Propaganda, and Tourism: Phoumi Vongvichith (L) Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transportations: Tiao Souk Vongsack (L)

- Minister of Justice: Khoun One Voravong (NN) Deputy Minister of Social Welfare: Keo Viphakone (NN) - Minister of Public Works and Transportation: Ngone Sananikone (NN) - Minister of Cults: Bounthan Souvilay (NN)

- That was the second national unification -

In reality, the situation in the Indochinese countries were in extreme turmoil, violence had increased at the alarming level and could lead to a war of larger scale.

Therefore, US President Kennedy and Soviet Union President Krushchev met on June 1961 in Vienna, , to find ways to alleviate the crisis in the Southeast Asian region and to achieve the peace.

None of the international treaties, nor the internal agreements among the Lao leaders could bring peace to Laos permanently; because the ultimate goal of the Neo Lao Hak Xat who were the executer of the communist North Vietnam’s order, was to sway Laos from neutrality and democracy and to make her become a . And the goal of the socialist bloc was to change Asia into socialist countries. As for the United States, whose core values were to promote and uphold freedom and democracy; therefore her goal was to stop the advance of into Asia. Thus, Laos’ issues were linked to Vietnam’s and Indochina’s issues.

To weaken and cut the Neutralist forces into two groups by accusing them of betraying the Neutrality Accord and being ally with the Right faction--the “valet of the United States”, the Neo Lao Hak Xat backed up by the Soviet Union, separated Colonel Deuane Sounnarath from General Kong Le; then began attacking the Neutralist forces in the Plain des Jares, Xieng Khouang province. At the same time, the Neo Lao Hak Xat created a situation where additional two leaders of the Neutralist faction were assassinated: Col. Ketsana on February 12, 1962, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kinim Phonhsena on April 1, 1963. The Right faction was accused and blamed for both cases.

On February 17, 1964, leaders of the three factions met in Luang Prabang to find ways in restoring peace.

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Unfortunately, no agreement was reached. The situation in Laos plunged into the dark bottom.

On April 19, 1964, the Right faction saw no other alternative than abolishing the Coalition Government and creating a new government in order to restore the national concord. Thus, a coup took place led by General Kouprasith Abhay and General Siho Lanphouthakoun, causing the fleeing to Thailand of General Phoumi Nosavan—one of the most fierce fighter against the communism of the Right wing. The coup to annul the Coalition Government was protested and opposed by the super powers; as a result the military revolutionary group surrendered and let the Coalition Government resume the office until the normal situation returned.

On July 19, 1965, members of the National Assembly were elected to handle the specific legislative system for a 2 years term. However, conflicts occurred, causing the government to dissolve the National Assembly on September 16, 1966 and announced the new election where the Neo Lao Hak Xat refused to participate.

From 1967 to 1972, was the period of struggling for the survival of the Kingdom of Lao Lane Xang Hom Khao. The political, social and economic situation in Laos was in the worst nightmare. The civil servants, including military and law enforcement were in despair, the populace was discouraged and lost faith in their leaders in the government, allowing the enemies to easily mobilize Lao people in mass in their favor across the nation.

In the utmost efforts to bring the national reconciliation and peace, Prince Souvanna Phouma called upon all factions and all groups to come together as sisters and brothers to forget and forgive to one another, in finding ways to peacefully resolve the conflicts. To ease the process, Prince Souvanna Phouma publicly vowed to stay neutral between the Left faction who called themselves “Kamlang Hak Xat”(Patriots Forces), and the Right faction or Vientiane Government which in fact the government ‘born from the 1962 Geneva Accord’, not the ‘government of Vientiane’ as claimed by the Neo Lao Hak Xat, because this form of government remained the same in which the positions held by Prince Souphanouvong and Phoumi Vongvichith were still maintained and never transferred to no one in the Left nor the Neutralist faction since.

Prince Souvanna Phouma forced the Right faction to accept the fact, and as a result the negotiation took place on October 17, 1972. The new Coalition Government was formed, where the cabinet members were consisted of:

- 1. Prime Minister: Prince Souvanna Phouma - 2. Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Youth: Leuam Insixiengmai - 3. Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs: Phoumy Vongvichith - 4. Minister of Defense: Sisouk Na Champassak - 5. Minister of Interior and Social Welfare: Pheng Phongsavan - 6. Minister of Information, Propaganda and Tourism: Tiao Souk Vongsack - 7. Minister of Justice: Khamking Souvanlasy - 8. Minister of Finance: Ngone Sananikone - 9. Minister of Cults: Kou Souvannamethi - 10. Minister of Economy and Planning: Soth Pethrasy - 11. Minister of Health: Dr. Khamphay Abhay - 12. Minister of Public Works, and Transportation: Singkapo Chounnamaly - 13. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications: Khampheng Boupha - 14. Deputy Minister of Education: Ounneua Phimmasone - 15. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs: Chanthone Chantharasy - 16. Deputy Minister of Defense: Gen.Kham Ouane Boupha - 17. Deputy Minister of Finance: Bousbong Souvannavong - 18. Deputy Minister of Interior: Col. Deuane Sounnarath - 19. Deputy Minister of Economy: Dr. Oudomvilay - 20. Deputy Minister of Information: Ouday Souvannavong - 21. Deputy Minister of Justice: Somvang Sensathith - 22. Deputy Minister of Cults: Soukan Vilaysane - 23. Deputy Minister of Health: Dr. Khamlieng Pholsena - 24. Deputy Minister of Public Works: Houmphan Sayasith - 25. Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunications: Touby Lyfoung

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- That was the 3 rd Unification of Laos and also the End of the Lao Lane Xang Kingdom Era dating back to over 600 years -

On February 21, 1973 , the Peace and National Concord Treaty and Pacts were signed in Vientiane.

These treaties were in fact the vehicles for the Neo Lao Hak Xat and their master--the communist North Vietnam to viciously manipulate Lao people and Laos to fall into their trap.

The Neo Lao Hak Xat took advantage of the people’s power where Laotians were extraordinarily enchanted by the sugarcoated content of those Documents which in fact were filled with poisons and lies. The Laotians didn’t realize the irreparable damages caused to their beloved country in the near future; because they were overjoyed and thrilled to see the peace and national unification happening, for which they longed for too long. Therefore, they welcomed the Ne Lao Hak Xat with open hearts and arms.

The 1973 Vientiane treaties have unexpectedly and incredibly paved the road for the Neo Lao Hak Xat to successfully and solemnly walk in the National Capital Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

On April 14, 1975, in virtue of the said treaty and the political 18 points agreements, the National and Municipal Assemblies were dissolved. These documents were distributed nationwide to the population of all walks of life, creating favorable environment for the Neo Lao Hak Xat to easily continue maneuvering their malicious moves to dismantle the sitting Administration, in mobilizing and inciting the mass including the students to stage protests to call for the so-called justice. And finally the Right’s armed forces were ordered to lay down their weapons.

Nov. 29, 1975 H.M. the King Savang Watthana was forced to abdicate the throne.

Dec. 2, 1975 The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed without the democratic sanction of the Lao people.

Prince Souphanouvong was nominated the President of the Republic.

Kaysone Phomvihane, a Vietnamese born and Ho Chi Minh’s student, became the Secretary-General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

At the seize of power by the communist forces, the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince as well as the military cadres, the policemen and the administration officials were arrested and deported to the concentration camps in the North of the country and let perished, due to cruelties, inhuman treatments and harsh conditions.

And for the first time in Laos’ history, there was the largest exodus of Laotians of almost a half million from their native land to the unknown, risking their lives--leaving everything behind to seek for freedom and liberty.

The following Section will describe in depth the Lao People’ Revolutionary Party--an one state party…

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LAO PEOPLE'S REVOLUTIONARY PARTY (ພກປະຊາຊັ ນປະຕົ ວິ ດລາວ)ັ

LAO PEOPLE'S REVOLUTIONARY PARTY

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party is a communist political party that has governed Laos since 1975. The policy- making organs are the Politburo, Secretariat and Central Committee. A party congress, which elects members to the Politburo and Central Committee, is held every five years. The congress was used also to elect a secretariat, but this body was abolished in 1991.

The party has its origin in the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP) which was founded by Ho Chi Minh in 1930. The ICP was entirely Vietnamese at its inception and has grown throughout , including Cambodia and Laos. In the mid-1940's, a campaign to recruit Laotian members was launched. And in 1946, Kaysone

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Phomvihane, a law student at the University , was recruited along with Nouhak Phoumsavan, who became supreme new leaders of Communist Laos in 1975.

In August 1950, some leaders of the Lao Issara (Free Lao Movement) broke away and found the Pathet Lao (Land of Lao) where Prince Souphanouvong -- the “Red Prince” became the figurehead leader. The communist resistance movement was in theory destined to fight alongside the Vietminh against French colonialism during the . But it didn’t really fought much of anyone and was organized as a reserve organization of Vietminh.

In February 1951, the Second Congress of the ICP resolved to disband the Party and form three separate parties representing the three states of Indochina. In reality, the ICP was a Vietnamese organization and the separate parties created were dominated by the Vietnamese party regardless of their national affiliation.

On March 22, 1955, at its First Party Congress, the Lao People’s Party (LPP) or Phak Paxaxon Lao was officially proclaimed. It was attended by 25 delegates representing the Party membership of 278. The Central Committee of the Party included , Nouhak Phoumsavan, Boun Phommahaxay, and Khamseng. In May 1955 were added Souphanouvong, Phoumi Vongvichit, Phoun Sipaseut; and in 1956, a couple more were supplemented: Sisomphone Lovanxay, and Khamtai Siphandone.

The Lao People’s Party (LPP), then its successor the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) kept their existence secret until , directing its activities through the Front Movement such as the Pathet Lao.

In 1956, a political wing of the Pathet Lao, the Patriot Front (Neo Lao Hak Xat) was founded, and as such would be participating in several Lao coalition governments. In 1960s, the Pathet Lao continued to perform activities in the occupied Northern areas of Laos, tasked by North Vietnamese force. They participated in wars between their North Vietnamese backers and the U.S. backed Laotian irregular forces. They gained more and more strength because of the North Vietnamese troops’ supports.

At the Second Party Congress in February 1972, the name of Lao People's Party was changed to Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

In 1973, a Peace Agreement was signed which stipulated the integration of the Pathet Lao in the Royal Government and the withdraw of all foreign armed forces. The Vietnamese army did never leave the soil of Laos. In early 1975, the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese troops began attacking the Lao Royal Government outposts again. Without the support of the US, the anti-communist elements in the Lao government had little choice other than gradually allowed the Pathet Lao taking power. In the spring of 1975, the Pathet Lao with a strong support of the Vietnamese forces consolidated their power throughout the country. The Royal Government fell in May 1975 and the LPRP seized the power.

For the past 39 years, the course of the Lao revolution had been closely tied to events in Vietnam. As Lao Prime Minister and General-Secretary of the LPRP, Kaysone Phomvihane, took more than one occasion to explicitly recognize that Vietnamese aids and advices played pivotal role in bringing the present regime to power in Laos. These close ties were formalized in the Lao-Vietnamese Treaty of Special Friendship and Cooperation signed in July 1977 by the two Lao-Viet leaders, which had since provided not only directions for Lao foreign policies, but also the basis for Vietnamese involvement in all domains and levels in Lao political, economic and socio-cultural life. Constant flow of delegations from agricultural cooperatives to public works took place between the two countries. Following the formation of the Lao Front for National Construction, a delegation of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front visited Laos, and the Vietnamese provincial delegations toured Lao provinces of Luang Namtha and Oudomxay as part of Vietnamese moves to supplant Chinese influence in the Northern part of Laos.

To this date, any democratization process is not yet perceptive, although a Constitution was written in 1991 which was never adhered to by Lao authorities. Laotian citizenry does not have the right to free expression. Arbitrary arrests are frequent and without due process. Human rights are widely abused. The enforced disappearance has occurred a year ago, in front of the police station of the national capital, such as the case of the well known civil society leader and the prestigious Asian Magsaysay awardee Sombat Somphone; where Lao authorities are still in denial of any involvement nor providing the results of full investigations (the scene was shown in the recording of the CCTV footage), causing on-going strong pressures by the rights organizations around the world, including those

9 of the ASEAN, UN, EU and International Amnesty, as well as by the current US Government. The communist party has plunged the Laotian people into extreme poverty, with all ill-social consequences: Wide-spread youth drug addiction, high rate of infant mortality, prostitution, HIV, human trafficking and slave labor in neighboring countries. Laos is ranked among the most corrupted countries in the world.

The close relationship with Vietnam, while of benefit to the present Lao regime, it is also of considerably important to Hanoi. From the Vietnamese point of view, it has always been imperative that the country's long and vulnerable western border be adequately protected by the presence of friendly forces in Laos. But while the relationship may have been mutually beneficial, it has never been on equal footing.

When the LPRP first revealed itself to the public in 1975, the Central Committee comprised of twenty -one members and six alternates. By the Fourth Party Congress in 1986, its membership expanded to fifty-one members and nine alternates. The number of women on the Central Committee rose from three to five, including Ms. Thongvin Phomvihane, the Secretary-General's wife, who was the first woman appointed to the Central Committee. She was also the Chair of the LPRP's People's Revolutionary Youth Union, in 1982.

In 1979, the Lao Front for National Construction was founded with the mission to reach out to the populace by emphasizing on the governmental and cultural participation.

PARTY'S IDEOLOGY

The LPRP is a Marxist-Leninist party patterned after the Communist North Vietnamese and strongly influenced by the Soviet Union and the USSR's Party. In the late 1980's, the party attempted to follow the model of Gorbachev's Perestroika reforms by introducing market economy and reducing control over state-run enterprises as well as abandoning attempts on agricultural collectivization. Although these reforms had been expanded in the 1990's, however the Laotian Party was reluctant to follow the Soviet example of glasnost and avoid loosening the party's political monopoly, nor allowing a free press. The party will allow economic liberalization and a certain degree on cultural freedom but will not allow anyone to question the rule of the Party over the country.

The Party operates according to the principles of democratic centralism. Due to the covert nature of the party in its first two decades, it remains semi-secret in its operations though it is becoming more open as a new generation takes control.

The LPRP has shown itself to be remarkably resilient. Transition-of-power tended to be smooth, the new generation of leaders have proven more open to reforms, and the Politburo members is more inclusive in terms of ethnic diversity. Organized opposition to the LPRP is weak or non-existing.

PARTY'S STRUCTURE

From a few hundred members at the Party inception, its membership had grown to 11,000 in 1965; and to 21,000 in 1972. When the Party seized power in 1975, it claimed a membership of 25,000; and in 2011, at the convening of the Ninth Party Congress, the LPRP’s membership claimed 191,780 or over 3% of the population.

The Central Committee of the Party was composed of 21 members and 6 alternates in 1975. This expanded to 51 members and 9 alternates in 1986, 59 members in 1991, and 61 members in 2011.

The Politburo is the Party political power center with its membership chosen by the Central Committee. The Politburo consisted of seven members in 1972, increasing to eleven members in 1991.

At the Fifth Party Congress, the Party abolished the nine person-Secretariat of the Central Committee and changed the designation of the head of the Party (Kaysone Phomvihane) from Secretary-General to Chairman. Until it was abolished, the Secretariat wields influence second only to that of the Politburo.

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Kaysone Phomvihane was the Party’s Secretary-General from its founding in 1955 and remained the Party's key figure until his death in 1992. His title changed to Party Chairman in 1991, Nouhak Phoumsavan was the second most powerful figure in the Party throughout from the Party's inception until Kayson's death, when he became the Party's titular leader.

The Party is currently led by Choummaly Saiyasone since 2006. Former leader Khamtai Siphandone succeeded Nouhak Phoumsavan in 1998 (although,some accounts have him succeeding Kaysone in 1992). Other recent leading figures have included Sisavath Keobounphan and Boungnang Volachit, who have each served as prime minister. Party's Secretary-General and State President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, Vice-President, are the most important members of the Politburo LPRP.

POLITBURO OF THE LAO PEOPLE'S REVOLUTIONARY PARTY

The Politburo of the Central Committee LPRP, formerly the Standing Committee of Central Committee, is highest body of the LPRP between Central Committee meetings, which are held at least twice a year. According to the Party's rules, the Politburo directs the general orientation of the government and enacts policies which have been approved by either the Party Congress or the Central Committee.

The members of the Politburo are elected (and given a ranking) by the Central Committee in the immediate aftermath of a Party Congress. The current 9th Politburo was elected by the Central Committee in the aftermath of the 9th Congress, and consisted of 11 members. The first-ranking member is the President of Laos and the Secretary-General of the Central Committee: .

Party’s Congresses: - 1st Congress (March, 1955) - 2nd Congress (February 3 - 6, 1972) - 3rd Congress (April 27 - 30, 1982) - 4th Congress (November 13 - 15, 1986) - 5th Congress (March 27 - 29, 1991) - 6th Congress (March 18 - 20, 1996) - 7th Congress (March 12 - 14, 2001) - 8th Congress (March 18 - 21, 2006) - 9th Congress (March 17 - 21, 2011)

1st Politburo: 1955 - 1972 1. Kaysone Phomvihane 2. Nouhak Phoumsavan 3. Boun Phommahaxay 4. Khamseng

2nd Politburo: 1972 - 1982 1. Kaysone Phomvihane 2. Nouhak Phoumsavan 3. Souphanouvong 4. Phoumi Vongvichit 5. Khamtay Siphandone 6. Phoun Sipaseut 7. Sisomphone Lovansay

3rd Politburo: 1982 - 1986 1. Kaysone Phomvihane 2. Nouhak Phoumsavan 3. Souphanouvong 4. Phoumi Vongvichit

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5. Khamtai Siphandone 6. Phoun Sipaseut 7. Sisomphone Lovansay

4th Politburo: 1986 - 1991 1. Kaysone Phomvihane 2. Nouhak Phoumsavan 3. Souphanouvong 4. Phoumi Vongvichit 5. Khamtai Siphandone 6. Phoun Sipaseut 7. Sisomphone Lovansay 8. Sisavath Keobounphan 9. Saly Vongkhamsao 10. Maichantan Sengmany 11. Samane Vignaket 12. Oudom Khattigna (Alternate member) 13. Choummaly Sayasone (Alternate member)

5th Politburo: 1991 - 1996 1. Kaysone Phomvihane, Chairman LPRP, President of Laos (died in 1992) 2. Nouhak Phoumsavan, President of Laos, 1992 3. Khamtai Siphandone, Chairman of LPRP: 1992 - 2006 4. Phoun Sipaseut 5. Maichantan Sengmany 6. Samane Vignaket 7. Oudom Khattigna 8. Choummaly Sayasone 9. Somlat Chanthamat 10. Khamphoui Keoboualapha 11.

6th Politburo: 1996 - 2001 1. Khamtai Siphandone, Chairman LPRP, President of Laos 2. Samane Vignaket 3. Choummaly Sayasone 4. Oudom Khattigna 5. Thongsing Thammavong 6. Osakan Thammatheva 7. Boungnang Volachit 8. Sisavath Keobounphan 9. Asang Laoly

7th Politburo: 2001 - 2006 1. Khamtai Siphandone, Chairman LPRP, President of Laos 2. Samane Vignaket 3. Thongsing Thammavong 4. Boungnang Volachit 5. Choummaly Sayasone 6. Sisavath Keobounphan 7. Osakanh Thammatheva 8. Asang Laoly 9. Douangchay Phichit 10. Thongloun Sisoulit 11. Bouasone Bouphavan

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8th Politburo: 2006 - 2011 1. Choummaly Saignasone, Secretary-General of the LPRP, President of Laos 2. Samane Vignaket 3. Thongsing Thammavong 4. Boungnang Volachit 5. Sisavath Keobounphan 6. Asang Laoly 7. Bouasone Bouphavan 8. 9. Douangchay Phichit 10. Somsavath Lengsavat 11. Pany Yathortou

9th Politburo: 2011 - Present 1. Choummaly Sayasone, Chairman of the LPRP, President of Laos 2. Thongsing Thammavong 3. Boungnang Volachit 4. Thongloun Sisoulith 5. Pany Yathortou 6. Asang Laoly 7. Douangchay Phichith 8. Somsavath Lengsavat 9. Dr. Bounthong Chitmany 10. Dr, Bounpone Bouttavong 11. Dr. Phankham Viphavan

Secretariat of the Party’s Central Committee 1. Choummaly Sayasone 2. Boungnang Volachit (PCC Standing Secretariat) 3. Dr. Bounthong Chitmany 4. Dr. Bounpone Bouttanavong 5. Dr. Thongban Seng-aphone 6. Chansi Phosikham 7. Soukan Mahalath 8. Sengnuan Xayalath 9. Cheuang Sombounkhanh.

The regime changes didn’t have the support of the population because it was dictated by communist Vietnam. The revolution that occurred in Laos was the work of the Vietnamese communist who took refuge behind the leaders of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party; hence, Laos became a part of the Vietnamese sphere of influence. The radical change mechanism in the destiny of Laos, namely the Neo Lao Hak Xat and Lao People’s Revolutionary Party that became the “Trojan Horse”, permitted the Vietnamese to colonize Laos.

The life and the survival of Laos are founded on the political relationships with its neighbors and on the balance of forces prevalent in the region. Laos must consequently possess the capacity to manage at the same time the regional and international junction in taking into account the internal and external constraints in order to safeguard peace, security, and national unity.

The future of Laos must depend essentially on democracy which needs a policy of national concord, cooperation and solidarity based on a spirit, sine qua non condition of independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and rules of law; because the future of the country implies a realistic polity. It is a national urgency.

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