 The Pathet Lao (Lao Country) functioned as a leftist nationalist political party and revolutionary organization in Laos from about 1950 to the mid-1970s. As major powers contended for control of Indochina, Pathet Lao activities became intertwined with larger conflicts. At the end of World War II the resumption of French control in Laos was opposed by Laotian nationalist forces, probably aided from that time by the Viet Minh, which led the Vietnamese opposition to the French in the Indochina War (1946-54). Nationalist leaders were dissatisfied with French plans to establish a semi-independent state in Laos; although the French permitted (1947) elections and the promulgation of a constitution, nationalist leaders formed a government-in-exile in Bangkok. Among the nationalist leaders was Prince Souphanouvong. After the French and Laotian governments agreed (July 19, 1949) to Laotian "independence within the French Union," most of the members of the government-in-exile returned to Laos; many of them joined the new government at Vientiane. Souphanouvong remained in exile, however, and formed the Pathet Lao, a Communist independence movement in North Vietnam. In 1953, Pathet Lao guerrillas joined the Viet Minh in an invasion of northern Laos, where they established rebel headquarters. The Geneva Conference of 1954 recognized Pathet Lao control over two northern provinces of Laos. When Souvanna Phouma, the half brother of Souphanouvong and, like him, opposed to international intrusions, became premier in 1956, he made his half brother a member of his cabinet; the Pathet Lao became a legal political party (United Lao Patriotic Front) and served in several coalition governments. By 1956 the United States, attempting to replace France as the major Western power in the area, was bolstering Laos with economic and military aid. Rightist leaders objected to Pathet Lao inclusion in the government, however, and by 1959 the coalition collapsed and a series of coups followed. Soon a full-scale civil war was under way. The United States and North Vietnam became increasingly involved in Laos as they aided their respective allies - a succession of regimes at Vientiane and the Pathet Lao - and as the war in Vietnam escalated. By the time of the 1973 ceasefire, the Pathet Lao (and its Vietnamese allies) controlled about two-thirds of the area of Laos. An agreement was reached that year to establish a coalition government, with Souvanna Phouma (d. 1984) as premier; it remained in power only until 1975, however. The Pathet Lao advanced on Vientiane that spring and proclaimed the capital liberated on August 23. In December the Pathet Lao established the Lao People's Democratic Republic and dismissed the coalition government. Souphanouvong, who later became president of the new Communist regime, retired due to ill health in 1986. The current president of Laos in 2006 is Choummaly Sayasone and the Prime Minister is Bouasone Bouphavanh. |
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