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Kingdom of Luang Phrabang

Laos, 1707–1893. Draft, not yet reviewed

The Kingdom of Luang Phrabang was formed in 1707 as a result of the split of the Kingdom of Lan Xang. Over the years the monarchy weakened even more, and was forced to become a vassal various times to the Burmese and the Siamese monarchies. A particularly destructive attack during the Haw wars by the Chinese Black Flag Army in 1887 saw King Oun Kham request French protection. The French Protectorate of Laos was officially established, with the administrative capital moved from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

Seat of power: Luang Prabang

Rulers

Kingkitsarat

king of Luang Prabang, 1707–1713

Kingkitsarat was the only son of Prince Raxabut, who was the heir apparent of Sourigna Vongsa. He raised an army, expelled Ong Lo, the viceroy appointed by Setthathirath II, and seized Luang Phrabang.

Ong Kham

king of Luang Prabang, 1713–1723

He was a cousin and also a son-in-law of Kingkitsarat. Ten years later, he was deposed by Inthasom when he was away on a hunting trip.

Inthasom

king of Luang Prabang, 1723–1749

Inthasom was a younger brother of Kingkitsarat. After ten years of joint rule, Inthasom successfully usurped in the king's absence. He ruled peacefully until his death in 1749.

Sotikakumman

king of Luang Prabang, 1749–1768

Sotika was the second son of Inthasom. In March 1765, Luang Phrabang was conquered by Burmese army. Sotika became a vassal king under Burmese rule.

Inthaphom

king of Luang Prabang, 1749–1749

He was the eighth son of Inthasom. He was crowned the king instead of his elder brother, however, he ruled only eight months and abdicated in favor of his elder brother Sotikakumman.

Surinyavong II

king of Luang Prabang, 1768–1791

In March 1765, Luang Phrabang was conquered by Burma and became the latter's vassal. In 1768, Surinyavong escaped from Burma and fled to Sip Song Chau Tai. He raised an army there and seized the Luang Phrabang throne in 1771.

Anurutha

king of Luang Prabang, 1792–1817

Anurutha was the fourth son of king Inthasom. After a four-year interregnum, he was crowned in Luang Phrabang by Siamese in 1792.

Manthaturath

king of Luang Prabang, 1819–1837

He was crowned by the Siamese at the age of 43. In 1826, he refused to join Anouvong's Rebellion against Siamese.

Sukkhasoem

king of Luang Prabang, 1837–1850

He was the eldest son of Manthaturath. During his reign, Luang Phrabang put down a rebellion by the Tai Lue of Sipsong Panna.

Chantharath

king of Luang Prabang, 1852–1870

During his reign, the King of Siam controlled the foreign affairs of the kingdom, but allowed Chantharath control over local laws and government. In 1864, Haw rebels raided the country.

Portrait of Chantharath: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Oun Kham

king of Luang Prabang, 1872–1888

When unable to hold off outlaw Chinese Black Flag Army forces, he sought assistance from Rattanakosin for help. On 7 June 1887 the Lao royal capital was seized and sacked; the elderly ruler barely escaped with his life.

Portrait of Oun Kham: Auguste Pavie (1847-1925), Public domain, file

Zakarine

king of Luang Prabang, 1888–1904

Zakarine was brought up in Luang Phrabang. He fled to Bangkok after the sack of Luang Prabang in 1887.

Portrait of Zakarine: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Culture

Picture

Wat Xieng Thong, built between 1559 and 1560 by King Setthathirath, is one of the most important of Lao monasteries.

Image: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Sources

Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.