Mai Sayavongs became ambassador of Laos to the United States on Aug. 3, 2015, with concurrent accreditation to Canada and Mexico. Ambassador Sayavongs previously served as director-general (2013-15) and deputy director-general (2012-13) of the Asia-Pacific and Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he also served as deputy director-general of the Europe and Americas Department (2004-09) and director of the Americas Division at the Europe and Americas Department (2003-04).

Ambassador Sayavongs also previously served in Washington, D.C., at the Lao Embassy as minister counselor and deputy chief of mission (2009-12), second secretary (2001-03) and third secretary (1997-2001). Other ministry postings include: member of the Permanent Secretary of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control & Supervision (1996), member of the Lao-Myanmar Boundary Demarcation Committee (1991-93) and desk officer in the Department of International Organizations (1989-96).

Ambassador Sayavongs, 53, holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and a master’s in Asia and international studies from Griffith University in Australia. He also completed courses in English language training from Canberra University, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii and a higher diploma program at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. Ambassador Sayavongs speaks Lao, English and Russian and is married to Soumaly Sayavongs and has two children.

Contact Information

Embassy of Laos
2222 S. St., NW
Washington, DC 20008

Phone: (202) 332-6416
Fax: (202) 332-4293

Website: http://www.laoembassy.com/