National Assembly approves Saleumxay Kommasith as Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. (Source: Lao News Agency, October 5, 2026)
Kaikham Lattanavong | October 12, 2026
VIENTIANE — Laos’ 10th National Assembly has appointed Saleumxay Kommasith as the new prime minister, replacing Sonexay Siphandone, who was appointed president of the National Assembly after Saysomphone Phomvihane’s sudden death in August.
Although Saleumxay has limited experience in economic affairs, he is widely recognised for his diplomatic expertise. However, the change in positions was not directly related to Sonexay’s performance or Saleumxay’s abilities. Rather, it followed the Politburo’s seniority order.
The Politburo is the party’s highest-level leadership body, responsible for setting the country’s direction and making key decisions across various sectors. The current body has 13 members, elected at the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on January 8, 2026.
“People have been saying for a long time that he should be given an important position because of his high educational qualifications,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Thanachate Wisaijorn, head of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, commenting on speculation about Saleumxay’s appointment as prime minister.
“If he takes the position, he could play a positive role and bring greater diplomatic experience.”
After Saysomphone’s death, the leadership was reshuffled. Five other key positions in the government, party, and economic and financial agencies also changed.
Thanachate said of Sonexay: “He has not fallen out of the circle of power. Instead, he moved up to become president of the National Assembly and remained on the Party Central Committee’s Politburo. His relatives continue to hold prominent roles at the national level.”
Thus, the leadership reshuffle in Laos was a reallocation of positions based on the Politburo’s seniority and the power structure.
Heirs to the Revolution
Although some observers may view the leadership change as a possible reduction in the Siphandone family’s political influence, Sonexay’s new position as president of the National Assembly is considered equivalent in status to that of prime minister. Both positions are among the country’s three highest pillars of political power.
Sonexay Siphandone is the son of Khamtai Siphandone, Laos’ former prime minister and president.
Saleumxay Kommasith is the son of Brigadier General Thonglai Kommasith, a senior military officer who played a role in the revolutionary movement and was close to former President Choummaly Sayasone.
Saleumxay is also a close associate and political protégé of Thongloun Sisoulith. The two politicians built their careers in foreign affairs before advancing to top leadership positions.
In addition, Saleumxay’s younger brother, Malaithong Kommasith, is married to Khamtai Siphandone’s daughter. Khamtai was a former president and Sonexay’s father.. The two families are therefore connected through marriage.
Laos’ political landscape reflects the continued influence of family ties and the families of revolutionary leaders in the country’s national power structure.
Vietnam-China Relations
Beyond maintaining the balance of power, Saleumxay also faces geopolitical challenges, particularly in balancing relations with Vietnam, a close ally, and China, which plays a significant role in investment and infrastructure development in Laos.
Although Saleumxay has close ties with Vietnam, China’s involvement in Baan Kern Airport could raise security concerns for Vietnam amid its disputes with China in the South China Sea.
“Laos is trying to maintain neutrality, even though it is clear that Vietnam and China have disagreements over the South China Sea,” Thanachate said.
Baan Kern Airport in Laos is a military cooperation project between China and Laos. It is located near Vientiane, the capital, and about 40 kilometres from the Thai border.
Vietnam views China’s military moves as potentially affecting its national security.