Mr. Somsanouk Mixay, former vice president of the Lao Journalists Association, and co-founder of the Vientiane Times, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday.
Mr. Somsanouk (Michel Drouot) passed away peacefully at his home at about 9 pm at the age of 84, according to Vientiane Times.
A service will be held at his home in Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, while funeral rites will take place on Sunday at 1 pm at That Foun temple.
A notable publisher and media pioneer, Somsanouk Mixay was also a respected patron of the arts and a leader in literature. He founded the Vientiane Times in April 1994 alongside former editors-in-chief, Mr. Savankhone Razmountry and Mr. Thongsavath Chansombath.
Mr. Somsanouk, who also founded French-language magazine, Le Rénovateur, in 1998, had been an advisor to Lao National Television and was on the board of directors of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists.
A merit-making day will be held in his honor on 30 January, followed by the offering of gifts and alms to monks on 31 January.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Somsanouk had also been vice president of the Lao Writers’ Association, Chairman of the Board of Lao Fashion Week, former Vice President of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, and chairman of the Lao Handicrafts Association.
