Backed by the CIA and the Programs Evaluation Office, Phoumi, then a colonel, became a cabinet minister in the right-wing government of the Kingdom of Laos in February 1959 and a general several months later.
•
He attacked Vientiane on September 18 but the neutralists with the help of the Pathet Lao and the Soviets, repulsed the attack.
•
When he refused despite personal appeals from President Kennedy and the assistant secretary of state, his CIA handler was transferred out of Laos and in February 1962 aid was cut to his government and army.