Soulivong Savang (Lao: ສຸລິວົງ ສະຫວ່າງ; born 8 May 1963), grandson of the last King of Laos Savang Vatthana, is the pretender to the Lao throne. Laos was a monarchy until 1975, when the communist Pathet Lao seized control of the nation, causing Savang Vatthana to abdicate his throne. Soulivong Savang lives in exile in Paris.
| Soulivong Savang | |
|---|---|
| King of Royal Lao Government in Exile | |
| Reign | 1980–present |
| Predecessor | Vong Savang |
| Born | 8 May 1963 Luang Phrabang, Laos |
| Spouse | Chansouk Soukthala |
| House | Khun Lo Dynasty |
| Father | Vong Savang |
| Mother | Mahneelai |
Biography edit
Soulivong Khantharinh was born on 8 May 1963 at the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang to Crown Prince Vong Savang and Crown Princess Mahneelai of the Kingdom of Laos.
After the communist revolution, some members of the royal family were placed in re-education camps where they reportedly died,[1] although Prince Souphanouvong later became President of the newly established republic.[2][3] Prince Khantharinh escaped from captivity in Laos with his younger brother Prince Thayavong Savang in 1981, arriving in France as refugees.
Education edit
Soulivong Savang attended the University of Clermont-Ferrand in France and also obtained a law degree.[citation needed]
Political aspirations edit
He has been working to restore democracy as well as "social and charitable reforms" to Laos. "The restoration of the monarchy would be up to the Lao people", he said. His uncle Prince Sauryavong Savang was regarded as head of the Laotian royal family and acted as regent to his nephew.[4] A Royal Lao Government in Exile exists.[citation needed]
On 19 September 1997, Soulivong Khantharinh and his Uncle Prince Sauryavong Khantharinh initiated a Royal Lao Conference in Seattle, United States. Over five hundred Lao exiles and representatives of the Hmong, Kmu, Mien, Thaidam and all ethnic minority community attended. This conference established the Lao Representative Abroad Council.[citation needed]
On 19 September 1999, a second conference was held in Montreal, Canada, to follow up the progress of LRAC work and focus on non-profit organizations to support the local and worldwide community through community development, social services, education and job development, promoting cultural activity. Soulivong capitalized on the rise in royalist sentiment in neighbouring Thailand.[5]
The Laotian exile community – 100,000 in France, 40,000 in Australia and half a million in the United States – has been fractured ethnically between Lao and Hmong. The crown prince said he tells both groups that a constitutional monarchy is their best hope of unity.[4]
Personal life edit
On 10 November 2007, the Prince married Princess Chansouk Soukthala. The ceremony, which took place in Canada, was attended by 800 guests. The bride, Princess Chansouk, is a daughter of the former military Prosecutor Prince Tanh Soukthala and Princess Bounchanh Soukthala.[6]
Ancestry edit
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See also edit
- Lao royal family
- Prince Souvanna Phouma
- Prince Phetsarath Rattanavongsa
- Pathet Lao
- Prince Souphanouvong
References edit
- ^ Frommer's Cambodia and Laos, p.255.
- ^ Christopher Kremmer, Stalking the Elephant Kings, In Search of Laos (1997)
- ^ Christopher Kremmer, Bamboo Palace, Discovering the Lost Dynasty of Laos (2003)
- ^ a b Exiled Laotian Prince Seeks a New Role, 13.8.2000
- ^ FEER, Kingdom Come?, 17 August 2001
- ^ Over 800 Celebrated the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Soulivong Savang, Grandson of Laos' Former King., lao.voanews.com, 15.11.2007
External links edit
- Exiled Laos Prince Appeals to US by Washington Post
- Former Royal Laos Flag & Laos National Anthem[dead link]
- Speech of His Royal Highness Prince Soulivong Savang at Bowdoin College
- Political turmoil comes to one of the most isolated communist ruled countries in Southeast Asia
- Press release of the Lao Royal Family
- LAOS: ROYALTY Kingdom Come?
- Deposed Lao family adds royal touch to Farmington temple; Families gather for day of worship and remembrance
- Laos Royals pay respects to September 11, 2001 Victims (Photos)
- Welcoming speech of Crown Prince Soulivong Savang (French)
