List of Presidents of Laos: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Laos from 1975 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Laos, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Laos: Thongloun Sisoulith (in office since 2021).

Presidents of Laos in order, with years in office

Souphanouvong

Served: 1975–1991

Prince and first president of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; ill health ended his active service in 1986.

Phoumi Vongvichit

Served: 1986–1991 (acting)

Acted as president for Souphanouvong from 1986 until 1991.

Kaysone Phomvihane

Served: 1991–1992

Party leader who became president in 1991 and died in office in November 1992.

Nouhak Phoumsavanh

Served: 1992–1998

Elected after Kaysone's death.

Khamtai Siphandone

Served: 1998–2006

Also served as party general secretary.

Choummaly Sayasone

Served: 2006–2016

Also served as party general secretary.

Bounnhang Vorachith

Served: 2016–2021

Party general secretary who also held the presidency.

Thongloun Sisoulith

Served: 2021–present

Former prime minister and foreign minister, re-elected by the National Assembly in March 2026.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Laos

Who is the current president of Laos?

The current head of state of Laos is Thongloun Sisoulith, in office since 2021.

Who were the previous presidents of Laos?

The presidents and heads of state of Laos listed on this page, in order, are: Souphanouvong, Phoumi Vongvichit, Kaysone Phomvihane, Nouhak Phoumsavanh, Khamtai Siphandone, Choummaly Sayasone, Bounnhang Vorachith, Thongloun Sisoulith.

Who was the first president of Laos?

Souphanouvong was the first president of Laos, in office 1975–1991.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Laos; Vientiane Times and Vietnam+ reports on the March 2026 re-election (checked Nov 2026). Presidents of the Lao People's Democratic Republic since 1975; the acting president is labelled.. Last reviewed November 2026.

Presidents of other Asia countries

Presidents of Armenia · Presidents of Azerbaijan · Presidents of Bangladesh · Presidents of Georgia · Presidents of India · Presidents of Indonesia · Presidents of Kazakhstan · Presidents of Kyrgyzstan · Presidents of Maldives · Presidents of Mongolia · Presidents of Myanmar · Presidents of Nepal · Presidents of Pakistan · Presidents of Philippines · Presidents of Singapore · Presidents of South Korea · Presidents of Sri Lanka · Presidents of Tajikistan · Presidents of Timor-Leste · Presidents of Turkey · Presidents of Turkmenistan · Presidents of Uzbekistan · Presidents of Vietnam · All Asia presidents