What is kings of laos?

Laos, also known as the Kingdom of Laos, was ruled by several kings over the centuries. Here are some notable kings of Laos:

1. Fa Ngum: He is considered the founder of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which later became Laos. Fa Ngum unified various tribes and kingdoms in the region and established Lan Xang in 1353.

2. Samsenethai: He succeeded his father as the king of Lan Xang in 1438. Samsenethai enlarged the kingdom and built numerous monuments and temples, including the famous Pha That Luang.

3. Setthathirath: He was the king of Lan Xang from 1548 to 1571. Setthathirath is remembered for his patronage of Buddhism and his efforts to expand the kingdom, as well as his unsuccessful attempts to capture the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya.

4. Souvanna Phouma: He was the last king of Laos. Souvanna Phouma was appointed as the prime minister of the Kingdom of Laos in 1951, and he became the king in 1961. He was forced to abdicate by the communist Pathet Lao in 1975, when Laos became a socialist republic.

5. Savang Vatthana: He was the penultimate king of Laos, reigning from 1959 until he was overthrown in 1975. Savang Vatthana was criticized for his perceived lack of action during the Laotian Civil War, as well as his close ties to the French colonial administration.

Overall, the kings of Laos played a crucial role in shaping the country's history and culture. They left a lasting legacy of art, architecture, religion, and tradition that continues to influence Laos today.