I
n its 58 year history, the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award has been given to over 300 distinguished persons from across Asia.
Two of these have been Lao.
The first was Keo Viphakone, who was given the prize for Government Service in 1967.
Keo recently passed away.
The second is Sombath Somphone, who received the award for Community Leadership in 2005.
Sombath was stopped by police and then abducted in December 2012.
He has not been seen since.
Further information on these outstanding Lao citizens can be found at http://www.rmaf.org.ph/newrmaf/main/awardees/filter/all/all/all/LA/1