Souvanna Phouma

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Prince Souvanna Phouma (7 October 1901-January 10, 1984) was the leader of the neutralist faction and prime minister of the Kingdom of Laos several times, from 1951 - 1952, 1956 - 1958, 1960 and 1962 - 1975.

Souvanna Phouma was born into the vice-royal family of Luang Prabang, and given a French education in Hanoi, Paris and Grenoble, where he obtained his degree in architecture and engineering. He returned to his homeland in 1931, marrying Aline Claire Allard, the daughter of a French father and a Lao mother.

Souvanna Phouma, together with his brother, Prince Phetsarath Rattanavongsa (1891-1959) and his half-brother, Prince Souphanouvong (1909-1995), became involved in Laotian politics at around the end of World War II, at which time the Lao Issara was established to counter the French occupation.

Preceded by: Phoui Sananikone

Prime Minister of Laos 1951-1954

Succeeded by: Katay Don Sasorith

Preceded by: Katay Don Sasorith

Prime Minister of Laos 1956-1958

Succeeded by: Phoui Sananikone

Preceded by: Somsanith

Prime Minister of Laos 1960

Succeeded by: Boun Oum

Preceded by: Boun Oum

Prime Minister of Laos 1962-1975

Succeeded by: Kaysone Phomvihane