Lao Rebellion of 1826–1828

The Lao Rebellion of 1826–1828 (also known as Anouvong’s Rebellion) is an attempt by King Anouvong (Chaiya Sethathirath V) of the Kingdom of Vientiane to end the suzerainty of Siam and recreate the former kingdom of Lan Xang.

In January 1827 the Lao armies of the kingdoms of Vientiane and Champasak (ruled by Anouvong's son) move south and west across the Khorat Plateau, advancing as far as Saraburi, just three days march from the Siamese capitol of Bangkok.

The Siamese quickly mount a counterattack, forcing the Lao forces to retreat.

The Siamese continue north to defeat Anouvong's army.

His rebellion has failed, which leads to his capture, the destruction of his city of Vientiane in retaliation, a massive resettlement of Lao people to the west bank of the Mekong River, and direct Siamese administration of the former territories of the Kingdom of Vientiane.

The rebellion is a watershed moment in the history of Southeast Asia, as it further weakens the small Lao kingdoms, perpetuates conflict between Siam and Vietnam and ultimately facilitates French involvement in Indochina in the latter half of the nineteenth century.

The legacy of the Lao rebellion is controversial.

It is viewed in Thailand as a ruthless and daring rebellion that had to be suppressed, and has given rise to the folk heroes such as Thao Suranari and Chao Phaya Lae.

In Laos, King Anouvong is now revered as a national hero who died in pursuit of complete independence, even though he lost both his life in an ill-advised revolt against heavy odds and virtually guaranteed that the Lao-speaking provinces across the Mekong River would remain as part of Siam (now Thailand).

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