Soulivong Savang
Crown Prince Soulivong Savang (born May 8, 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 | |
|---|---|
| Pretender | |
| Born |
May 8, 1963 Luang Prabang |
| Title(s) | Crown Prince |
| Throne(s) claimed | Laos |
| Pretend from | 1980 |
| Monarchy abolished | 1975 |
| Last monarch | Savang Vatthana |
| Connection with | Grandson |
| Royal House | Khun Lo Dynasty |
| Father | Vong Savang |
| Mother | Princess Mahneelai |
| Predecessor | Savang Vatthana |
| Lao Royal Family |
|---|
 |
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HRH Hereditary Prince Soulivong Savang
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Biography
Soulivong Khantharinh was born at the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang to Crown Prince Vong Khantharinh and 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 Prime Minister of the newly established republic.[2][3] Prince Khantharinh escaped from captivity in Laos with his younger brother Prince Thayavong Khantharinh in 1981, arriving in France as refugees.
Education
Soulivong Savang attended the University of Clermont-Ferrand in France and also obtained a law degree.[4]
Political aspirations
He has been working to bring about the return of a monarchy as well as "social and charitable reforms" to Laos. His Uncle Prince Sauryavong Khantharinh is currently head of the Laotian royal family and acts as regent to his nephew. A Royal Lao Government in Exile exists.
On September 19, 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.
On September 19, 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 neighboring Thailand.[5]
On November 10, 2007, the Prince married Princess Chansouk Soukthala. The ceremony, which took place in Canada, was attended by 800 guests.
Ancestry
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See also
- Laotian Royal Family
- Prince Souvanna Phouma
- Prince Phetsarath Rattanavongsa
- Pathet Lao
- Prince Souphanouvong
References
- ↑ 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)
- ↑ Royal Ark
- ↑ FEER, Kingdom Come?, 17 August 2001
External links
- Exiled Laos Prince Appeals to US by Washington Post
- Former Royal Laos Flag & Laos National Anthem
- 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)
| Soulivong Savang Born: 8 May 1963 | ||
| Titles in pretence | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Vong Savang |
— TITULAR — King of Laos 2 May 1978?/1980?/1984?- Reason for succession failure: Monarchy abolished in 1975 – Communist take over |
Incumbent Heir: Thayavong Savang |
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