Vientiane: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism held a formal ceremony on April 30 to announce the retirement of senior officials and the appointment of new leadership personnel. The event, presided over by Suansavanh Vignaket, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Culture and Tourism, was attended by members of the Ministry's Party Committee and senior officials.
According to Lao News Agency, the Ministry presented retirement decrees to four senior officials in recognition of their long-standing service and contributions. The officials honored included Khampheuy Philapha, former Director General of the Department of Organization and Personnel; Khamla Yoyxaykham, former Director General of the Department of Cinema; Chanphet Khamfong, former Director General of the Department of Literature and Publishing; and Xaysombath Bounnaphon, former Acting Director General of the Department of Tourism Management.
The Ministry also announced the appointment of new leaders at the director general and office head levels. Phakhanxay Sikhanxay was appointed Director General of the Department of Organization and Personnel, while Viengphone Soukhavong took the role of Director General of the Department of Heritage and Fine Arts. Souksavanh Souliyvong was appointed as Head of the Ministry's Office, Khamphou Phiasakha as Director General of the Department of Planning and International Cooperation, Detnakhone Luangmovihan as Director General of the Department of Cinema, Champhone Vongsa as Director General of the Department of Culture and Performing Arts, and Intha Sisomphone as Director General of the Department of Literature and Publishing.
At the deputy director general level, several transfers and appointments were made to strengthen institutional capacity. Siphouonphai Sitthixay was named Acting Director General of the Department of Tourism Management, Anousak Yotboun was appointed Deputy Director General of the Department of Cinema, Vilakone Phongsa became Deputy Director General of the Department of Heritage and Fine Arts, Somxay Sipaseuth was designated Deputy Director General of the Department of Tourism Management, Boutsady Khanthavong took the position of Deputy Director General of the Department of Tourism Development, and Thongdeuan Thammavong became Deputy Director General of the Department of Cinema.
In her closing address, Minister Suansavanh Vignaket urged newly appointed officials to strengthen their sense of responsibility and apply their expertise effectively. She emphasized the importance of advancing the culture and tourism sectors toward strong and sustainable development in the new era.
