Laos Reshuffles Top Leadership as Saleumxay Becomes Prime Minister

Laos Reshuffles Top Leadership as Saleumxay Becomes Prime Minister

VIENTIANE, Oct. 5, 2026 — Laos has reshuffled its top leadership, with the National Assembly approving Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister and electing outgoing Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone as president of the National Assembly on Monday, October 5.

The changes were approved during the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly, which opened in Vientiane on Monday. All 158 lawmakers present voted in favour of Saleumxay’s appointment, according to the Lao news agency KPL.

Sonexay succeeds Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who died in August. Xaysomphone had been re-elected as National Assembly president earlier this year when the 10th legislature began its term. Following his death, National Assembly Vice President Sounthone Xayachack served as acting president until lawmakers convened for the October session.

Saleumxay Moves From Diplomacy to Premiership

Saleumxay, 58, has held senior positions in Laos’ government and foreign-policy establishment, including serving as foreign minister before becoming deputy prime minister.

His appointment marks a move from a long diplomatic career into the country’s top government position. The National Assembly approved him as prime minister with unanimous support among the lawmakers present.

In his first remarks as prime minister, Saleumxay pledged to continue building what he described as a professional government, with implementation and effectiveness serving as key measures of performance. He also identified economic stability, tackling drug-related and high-tech crime, poverty reduction and deeper international integration among the priorities of his administration.

Sonexay Moves to National Assembly

Sonexay, who had served as prime minister since December 2022, was elected to lead the National Assembly following the death of Xaysomphone.

The National Assembly Standing Committee said Sonexay met the requirements for the position, citing his leadership experience and knowledge of Laos’ political, legal, economic and administrative systems.

The leadership change comes only months after Laos held elections for its 10th National Assembly. In March, the newly elected legislature had re-elected Thongloun Sisoulith as president, Sonexay as prime minister and Xaysomphone as National Assembly president.

The latest changes therefore represent another adjustment to Laos’ top leadership following Xaysomphone’s unexpected death.

More Changes Expected

The second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly is scheduled to run from October 5 to October 21, with lawmakers considering major national matters as well as high-level personnel appointments.

The leadership changes are the latest in a series of political and government reshuffles in Laos in recent years, including the 2021 transition that saw Thongloun move from prime minister to president and subsequent changes in the premiership.

Further appointments and adjustments to the government leadership are expected during the current parliamentary session.