King Anouvong's descendant is living face of history

The historians have been actively gathering information about the former monarch's past before a new statue is unveiled at Chao Anouvong Park later this year. The event will be part of activities to mark the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as capital of Laos.

Chao Anouvong was the last king of the Vientiane monarchy, reigning in the Lao capital from 1805 to 1828.

 The historians and officials from the Ministry of Information and Culture have recently discovered important evidence including a stamp which was used to authorise documents in Chao Anouvong's reign.

They have also found many of the king's personal possessions which have been used to shed further light on his past.

Recently, the team went to Savannakhet province to visit a family which claims Chao Anouvong as an illustrious ancestor.

Mr Norkham claims to be a sixth generation descendant of the 19th century ruler.

The 77-year-old bears a strong physical appearance to portraits of Chao Anouvong. He also has two elderly relatives who are believed to be daughters-in-law of Chao Anouvong's successors - Aunt Kaly, who is 99, and Aunt Mang, who is thought to be an incredible 120 years old.

Mr Norkham has sons and a daughter.

Because of his physical similarity to Chao Anouvong, Mr Norkham has been chosen as the model for the king's statue. A team of 15 Lao craftsmen is currently working on the bronze figure.

“Since Chao Anouvong is remembered for reuniting the country, his statue will depict the strength of his leadership, and should be as close to lifelike as possible,” said the Head of the Ministry of Information and Culture's Fine Arts Department, Dr Bounthieng Siripaphanh.

The statue, which is costing about 5 billion kip to make, will stand about 8 metres high and 3 metres wide. The king will be represented holding a sword in his left hand while gesturing with his right.

According to Lao history, the eighteenth century brought the decline of the Lane Xang monarchy. The Kingdom split into three hostile dynasties and was invaded and controlled by Siamese feudalism. However, the Lao people maintained their unity, frequently rebelling against Siamese dominance. The most outstanding movement was the nation-wide campaign led by national hero King Anouvong in 1827-1828. Though the uprising was quelled, the movement was a significant page in Lao history in the cause of national defence and has ever since been remembered as such.

Between 1828 and 1829 Siam forced more than 100,000 Lao people, including king family members to resettle as prisoners of war in Bangkok. The Siamese ransacked and burned all houses in the capital, stealing valuables from all temples in Vientiane (except Sisaketh Temple). They also took the most sacred Buddha images - the Phra Bang and the Emerald Buddha - from the Lao capital.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update June 26 , 2010)

Anonymous wrote:

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Holding the sword with left hand and gesturing with the right hand does not mean the King was left handed. People who are right handed always raise their right hand to point to the horizon or to direct their command.

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He's not.........................

Anonymous wrote:

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I prefer better NO KING in every country ,KING is great human level rich and poor .CANADA USA that no king that better

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Dear lord, its sad to think of how uninformed people are.