HONG KONG, CHINA—Christian Pastor Thongkham Philavanh was feeding his chickens and ducks at his home in Vanghay, a village in northwestern Laos, on Monday when two masked gunmen arrived on motorcycles. After a brief conversation, one assailant fired seven shots into his head and body using a silenced weapon.

The assailants fled as Pastor Thongkham was rushed to a provincial hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He is survived by his wife and two teenage children. Pastor Thongkham, 40, served as a tribal Khmu leader and was the provincial head of the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC).

Police are now investigating the pastor’s killing in Xai District, Oudomxay Province, which happened after the torture and killing of another Christian pastor—Pastor Seetoud in October 2022 in central Laos’ Khammouane Province. Prior to his death, officials had warned Pastor Seetoud to halt Christian functions and meetings.

The case remains unsolved with the perpetrators still unidentified and at large.

Similarly, Pastor Thongkham had been actively spreading the Gospel, organizing screenings of a Jesus film, and conducting pastor training sessions. A week before his death, LEC officials held an event to dedicate the expansion of a church building, due to the church’s growth. 

The pastor’s funeral was on Saturday, and in attendance were several prominent LEC leaders.

In the time leading up to his death, Pastor Thongham was being closely watched by authorities and had received multiple warnings to cease his “Christian activities,” local Christians allege. His death has prompted an outpouring of shock and grief among Christians in Laos, who have taken to social media to express their sentiments.

“His profound wisdom, unwavering faith, and boundless compassion touched the lives of many,” read one Facebook post mourning his loss.

While the Laos constitution includes a law that guarantees the “right and freedom to believe or not believe in religion,” persecution against Christians in Laos is on the rise.

The small minority of Christians in the nation are frequently detained, and local officials regularly force Protestant Christians from their villages, demolish their homes and rice silos, and leave families homeless. 

Further, while the Laos government is aware of the significant oppression and danger Christians in their nation face, they have yet to file any charges or offer any additional religious protections. 

Following Pastor Thongkham’s killing, fear among Christian leaders has escalated, prompting increased security measures during travel and heightened communication among peers. Reports indicate that a Christian leader from the Baw tribe narrowly avoided abduction and potential harm after being tipped off by a family friend about government plans.

Despite the challenges, the Christian church in Laos continues to grow annually, particularly among the Khmu people. Live Christian broadcasts on Khmu Facebook pages draw thousands of viewers daily, and discipleship training programs across the country are proving effective.

Laos was ranked 21st on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of countries where it is most difficult to practice Christianity.

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UPDATE: August 9, 2024

After Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines published this article, we were contacted via email by The Jesus Film Project. The following is their quote.

“All at Jesus Film are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic killing of Pastor TK in northwestern Laos. Our hearts are breaking for his wife and two teenage children. Pastor TK was a tribal Khmu leader and head of Lao Evangelical Church (LEC).

He had been actively sharing the Gospel and showing our Jesus Film to many, along with hosting trainings for pastors. His dedication to spreading hope and compassion was incredibly inspiring to us all.

In this time of profound grief, we look to our Lord to provide comfort and hope to his family, church and the community that loved him.

May you find solace in the cherished memories of their selfless service and the enduring impact that Pastor TK had on so many lives.”

-P. Anupam Nayak, Regional Strategy Leader, South East & South Asia, Jesus Film Project