I stumbled upon this information when I was reading about Laos embasssies in various countries.  When I clicked on "embassy staff" I noticed that each ranking position had a secretary BUT that secretary was a female with the same last name as the incumbent.

Examples - from actual embassy site.

His Excellency Mr Khenthong NUANTHASING

       Ambassador (28/10/2004)

    Mrs Phavanh NUANTHASING

Mr Sisavath KHAMSALY

       First Secretary

    Mrs Mayphone KHAMSALY

Mr Phoumy PHOMMACHANH

       Second Secretary

    Mrs Khamsavay PHOMMACHANH

Mr Kingphokeo PHOMMAHAXAY

       Second Secretary

    Mrs Soudalay PHOMMAHAXAY

Mrs Soudalay PHOMMAHAXAY

       Attaché

    Mr Kingphokeo PHOMMAHAXAY


>>> I hate to make assumptions but COULD these secretaries also be the spouses of the incumbents?  If so, is this common practice to have you wife be your secretary?

One person with same last name I would not question..but ALL the secretaries have the same last names as their boss. 

It's too much of a coincidence!

Those are Lao-Alcapone families; who dare is going to complaining...