Boungnang Vorachith

Boungnang Vorachith was elected President of Laos by the National Assembly, succeeding Choummaly Sayasone. He also retained his position as General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, making him the most powerful figure in the country's one-party system.

Boungnang Vorachith chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Vientiane. The meeting focused on regional security, economic integration, and the South China Sea disputes. Laos hosted the summit as part of its rotating chairmanship.

Under Boungnang Vorachith's leadership, Laos continued construction of the Xayaburi Dam on the Mekong River, despite environmental concerns from downstream countries. The project became a symbol of Laos's push for hydropower development and economic growth, but also sparked regional tensions.

Boungnang Vorachith stepped down as President and party leader at the 11th Party Congress, handing power to Thongloun Sisoulith. His retirement marked the end of a five-year term, following standard Lao practice of leadership rotation within the party.