Sisavang Vatthana Biography

Sisavang Vatthana was born in the Kingdom of Laos, and of five siblings, he was the second eldest. At the age of ten, this young prince was sent to France to pursue his education. He graduated in Paris, learning subjects like diplomacy and history, and on his return, he was taught his native language at home, by private tutors. At a young age he started representing his kingdom and met the Japanese forces to persuade them to grant his nation its freedom. He was soon appointed the Prime Minister, becoming the king after his father's death. However, he was forced to abdicate before he could officially be crowned the King of Laos. Nevertheless, according to sources, he was a king who took interest in the welfare of his nation, visiting foreign countries to improve diplomatic relationships, and establish the kingdom's political neutrality. During his reign, a coalition government was formed between three princes, the royalist Boun Oum, the leftist Souphanouvong, and the neutralist Souvanna Phouma. Though this was a move to establish political unity in the country, the government did not last long. Soon, the leftist faction separated, took over the kingdom and abolished the monarchical rule. The King was not only forced to give up his throne, but was also imprisoned till his death in the internment camp