Pakse City in Champasak Province may soon be renamed Khamtai Siphandone City, as authorities begin formal steps to change the name of one of southern Laos’ main urban centres.
The proposal is now moving through official procedures, with local authorities preparing documents and consultations for provincial assembly approval. If approved, it will be sent to the national government for final decision.
The name “Pakse” comes from its location at the mouth (Pak or ປາກ means mouth) of the Xe Don River, where it meets the Mekong River. The city was founded during the French colonial period in the early 1900s, when administrative offices were moved to this area. Over time, Pakse grew into the main urban centre of southern Laos.
Despite the old name, the change aims to honor former President Khamtai Siphandone, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 101.
Born in 1924 at Houakhongphayai village, Khong district, which is now part of Champasack Province. Khamtai played a key role in Laos’ revolutionary movement. He joined the independence movement after World War II and later served as Prime Minister in 1991 and President from 1998 to 2006.
Renaming Pakse after him would link his legacy directly to his home region.
The proposal also reflects a wider pattern in Laos of recognising the country’s three central revolutionary leaders, like Kaysone Phomvihane, Souphanouvong, and Khamtai Siphandone, who are often referred to as the core leadership that shaped the modern Lao state.
City/Landmarks Named After Important Figures
In 2005, Savannakhet’s main urban district was officially renamed from Khanthaboury City to Kaysone Phomvihane City to honor the country’s founding leader.
The renaming connected the area directly to his birthplace and political legacy, placing his name at the center of one of Laos’ key regions.
Meanwhile, a similar approach is evident in the education sector. Souphanouvong University, established in 2003 in Luang Prabang, was named after the country’s first president. The university stands as a major institution in the north, and to recognize the revolutionary leadership.
Official Names vs Used Names
However, past experience shows that official name changes do not always match how people speak in daily life.
Despite its official name, many people still call Kaysone Phomvihane City simply “Savannakhet” or “Savan.” The new name is mostly used in government documents and formal settings.
In contrast, Laos has also seen older name changes that took hold over time. The city now known as Luang Prabang was once called Meuang Soua and later Xieng Dong Xieng Thong before adopting its current name. That change was linked to religion and national identity, which helped people accept it.
When the name changed to Luang Prabang, it took centuries to fully erase “Xieng Dong Xieng Thong.”
For now, the name “Pakse” remains unchanged as the proposal moves forward. Even if approved, it is still unclear how quickly people will adopt the new name in everyday use, if at all.


