The Siamese follow a policy of depopulating the country on the left bank of the Mekong, where the writ of Siam runs as far south as Stung Treng.

This policy had actually been initiated as early as 1779; the first Phuan carried off by the Siamese had arrived in Bangkok around 1792, where they were used as workers in the fields of the official classes.

By removing people from the left bank, the Siamese deprive any invader from Annam of food supplies, transport, and recruits.

Sporadic resistance, however, led for some time by the latsavong (first prince) of the old Vientiane kingdom, continues at Mahaxai until 1835, when the leading Lao official there agrees to become governor of Sakon Nakhon on the right bank, and the Siamese resettle there.

From 1837 to 1847, the Siamese will carry out depopulation raids annually during the dry season in Khamkeut and Khammouan and in the valley of the Xe Banghiang.

Entire Lao villages are uprooted.