The Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the funeral organising board and the family of late Prime Minister Phan Van Khai have expressed thanks to individuals and organisations for their tribute to the former leader. 

The convoy leaves Thong Nhat Hall to carry the coffin of late PM Phan Van Khai  ​to the last resting place in his hometown in Tan Thong Hoi commune of Cu Chi district, HCM City

Thanks were extended to fellow countrymen, comrades, revolutionary veterans, intellectuals, scholars, religious dignitaries, agencies, organisations, localities, units, people’s armed forces, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, authority and people, diplomatic corps, international organisations and friends, for sending messages of condolences and wreaths, and attending respect-paying, memorial and burial services for the late PM. 

Former Politburo member and former PM Khai passed away on March 17 at the age of 85 in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City. 

A memorial service for the late leader took place at Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and International Convention Centre in Hanoi on March 22. The burial ceremony was held at 11am in his homeland in Tan Thong Hoi commune, Cu Chi district, HCM City. 

During the March 20-21 State funeral, 2,046 delegations with 108,000 people paid homage to the former leader at the two venues and his home, including 231 diplomatic corps and international organisations.

Former PM Phan Van Khai, born on December 25, 1933, native to Tan Thong Hoi commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, residing at No.24 Tu Xuong street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, passed away at 1:30am on March 17 at his home due to illness and old age.

He joined the revolution in 1947 and the CPV on July 15, 1959. 

He was a member of the CPV Central Committee of the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th tenures, Politburo member of the 7th, 8th and 9th tenures, permanent member of the Politburo of the 8th tenure, Prime Minister from 1997 to 2006 and National Assembly deputy of the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th tenures. 

Throughout 70 years of revolutionary activities, he made great contributions to the revolutionary cause of the CPV and the nation. 

As one of the high-ranking Party and State leaders in the first phase of the country's Renewal and nation-building cause, PM Khai was active and determined to build the institution under the spirit of renewal to utilize the capacities of all economic sectors, especially the private one, together with opening door to the world and integrating internationally.

During nearly two working terms of the PM, fundamental laws in the first phase of the Doi Moi (Renewal) and door-opening process were built.

The Government chaired by PM Khai left its working-term marks by the issuance of the Business Law, the annulment of hundreds of licences, the involvement in many tough talks to negotiate Vietnam's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and more. 

He was conferred with the Golden Star Order and the 55-year Party membership badge, and many other noble distinctions of Vietnam and foreign countries.-VNA