Katay Don Sasorith

Katay Don Sasorith
Born July 12, 1904
Died December 29, 1959
Vientiane, Laos
Nationality Laos
Other names William Rabbit
Political party National Progressive Party

Katay Don Sasorith (July 12, 1904 — December 29, 1959) was a Laos nationalist, politician, author, and prime minister of Laos (1954—1956).

After working as a civil servant, Katay became chief spokesman of the national resistance movement against the Japanese and then the French, during and after World War II. He held a short-lived post as minister of finance in the provisional government, but had to join the government in exile in Thailand. He published a newspaper under the pseudonym William Rabbit (Katay meaning rabbit).

After returning to Vientiane in 1949, Katay was elected prime minister in 1954. In that position, he managed to play on U.S. fears of the Viet Minh invading Laos to get substantial aid for his country. He was succeeded in 1956 by prince Souvanna Phouma.

Katay Don Sasorith died in Vientiane, Laos.

Works

Preceded by
Souvanna Phouma
Prime Minister of Laos
1954-1956
Succeeded by
Souvanna Phouma