Laos

Abstract

HISTORY. The ancient Laotian Kingdom of Lan Xang (i.e., of the Million Elephants) in the 14th century dominated a large part of Indo-China and Thailand, but later crumbled under invasions by the Annamites and Burmese. In 1707 it split into the kingdoms of Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champassac. In 1827 Vientiane was conquered by the Thais. Although the dominant people of the Lao/Thai race shared a common language and traditions, the almost complete absence of communications prevented any feeling of unity. Moreover, approximately half the population, living mainly in the mountainous regions, belonged to various tribal minorities.