The 6th Legislature of the National Assembly of Laos met for the first time Thursday and appointed Party Chief Choummaly Sayasone as the new President of the Lao PDR and elected Thonsing Thammavong as its new leader, replacing Samanh Vinhaket who has held that position since 1992.
Deputy Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh was promoted to Prime Minister, replacing Boungnang Vorachit. He named a 27-member cabinet that includes a woman for the first time, and four deputy prime minister, one more than previously.
Notable changes in the new cabinet include the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulit as Foreign Finister, replacing long-time Foreign Minister Somsavad Lengsavat, who was promoted to the position of Standing Government Member while retaining his Deputy Prime Minister position.
For who's who in the new Lao cabinet, listen to our Laos Today report.