# Kaysone Phomvihane

> first General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (r. 1955-1992)

**Wikidata**: [Q320100](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320100)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaysone_Phomvihane)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kaysone-phomvihane

## Summary
Kaysone Phomvihane was the first General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, serving from 1955 until his death in 1992. He played a foundational role in establishing Laos as a communist state and shaping its political and economic trajectory.

## Biography
- Born: December 13, 1920 (exact location not specified)
- Nationality: Laotian
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Leading the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and shaping modern Laos
- Employer(s): Lao People's Revolutionary Party (1955–1992)
- Field(s): Political leadership, communist ideology

## Contributions
Kaysone Phomvihane was instrumental in the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, following the end of the Laotian Civil War. He guided the country's transition from a monarchy to a communist state, implementing policies that aligned with Marxist-Leninist principles. His leadership during this period laid the groundwork for Laos's socialist economy and political system.

## FAQs
- **What was Kaysone Phomvihane's role in Laos?** Kaysone Phomvihane served as the first General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, a position he held from 1955 until his death in 1992. He played a pivotal role in shaping Laos's political and economic direction.
- **When did Kaysone Phomvihane lead the Lao People's Revolutionary Party?** He led the party from 1955 until his death in 1992, overseeing the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- **What was Laos like under Kaysone Phomvihane's leadership?** Laos transitioned from a monarchy to a communist state under his leadership, with policies aligned with Marxist-Leninist principles. The country's economy and political system were significantly reshaped during this period.
- **What awards did Kaysone Phomvihane receive?** He received numerous awards, including the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn, the Gold Star Order of Vietnam, and the Order of Lenin from the Soviet Union.

## Why They Matter
Kaysone Phomvihane's leadership was crucial in establishing Laos as a communist state and shaping its political and economic trajectory. His policies and ideology, known as Kaysone Phomvihane Thought, continue to influence the country's governance. His work laid the foundation for Laos's socialist system, which remains in place today.

## Notable For
- First General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (1955–1992)
- Led the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975
- Received multiple international awards, including the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star Order of Vietnam
- Known for implementing Marxist-Leninist principles in Laos

## Body
### Early Life and Political Career
Kaysone Phomvihane was born on December 13, 1920, in Laos. He became involved in political activities early in life and joined the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in 1955. He was elected as the party's first General Secretary, a position he held until his death in 1992.

### Leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party
Under Phomvihane's leadership, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party implemented policies that aligned with Marxist-Leninist principles. He played a key role in the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, following the end of the Laotian Civil War. His leadership shaped the country's political and economic direction, establishing a socialist system that remains in place today.

### International Recognition and Awards
Kaysone Phomvihane received numerous awards and honors from various countries, including the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn from Thailand, the Gold Star Order from Vietnam, and the Order of Lenin from the Soviet Union. These awards recognized his contributions to the political and economic development of Laos.

### Legacy and Influence
Kaysone Phomvihane's policies and ideology, known as Kaysone Phomvihane Thought, continue to influence the governance of Laos. His leadership during the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic laid the groundwork for the country's socialist economy and political system. His work remains a significant part of Laos's political history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2535/D/012/632.PDF)
3. [Source](https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=2aef2dacfb15408ebdc99907a619c2ab)
4. [Latin American Network Information Center](http://lanic.utexas.edu/project/granma/1976.html)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Munzinger Personen
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. IdRef