Laos’ Minister of Public Security is Now Deputy PM

General Vilay Lakhamfong, Laos’ Minister of Public Security is one of the new deputy prime ministers in a cabinet reshuffle of Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh’s administration. Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith is also made deputy prime minister.

The new appointments were approved by the 3rd Ordinary Session of the NA’s 9th legislature.

This brings the number of deputy prime ministers to five. The three existing DPMs are Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath, Prof Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, and Dr Sonexay Siphandone.

The changes were made to meet the changing needs of these government bodies as Laos strives to fulfil the national agendas on addressing the drug trade and financial and economic difficulties, which have been driven by a chronic budget deficit that accumulated massive public debt.—shp/adj/aaa (Image: Laos Government)