Sombath Somphone

Laotian social development pioneer who created transformative education systems before mysterious disappearance

Born in 1952, Sombath Somphone revolutionized rural education in Laos through his Participatory Development Training Center. His groundbreaking approaches to sustainable agriculture and youth leadership training impacted over 50,000 farmers between 1996-2012.

Despite government restrictions, Sombath implemented community-led resource management systems that increased rice yields by 40% in Xieng Khouang province. His UNESCO-recognized 'Learning Houses' program became a model for non-formal education in Southeast Asia.

In December 2012, Sombath mysteriously disappeared after being stopped at a Vientiane police checkpoint. International organizations including Amnesty International continue demanding answers about his fate.