Henri Boucharon (15 August 1917 – 13 April 2006), better known by his adopted Lao name Keo Viphakone, was a Laotian diplomat, nationalist and public servant who demonstrated exemplary performance in his various government posts.
At the onset of the Japanese occupation of Cambodia, Keo entered the Training Center for Indochina Inspectors of Water and Forests of Phnom Penh where he graduated with distinction in 1941.
With Japan's defeat in World War II, Keo's nationalistic sentiments grew and he joined the Lao Issara movement.
Challenges faced during those days were insufficient roads and bridges, schools, teachers, wells, sanitary facilities, dispensaries, and health workers.
Obtaining foreign aid, Keo was able to pull off the Rural Development Plan with the construction of 701 schools; 153 dispensaries, markets, training centers, crematories and warehouses; 203.5 kilometers of roads; 72 bridges and 10 air strips; 14 irrigation systems, 44 water storage and flood control dams; and 15 fishponds.
[3] Later on as Secretary of State for Social Welfare, Keo gained the support of Filipino organization Operation Brotherhood to train workers needed in the programs that he developed.