The Kingdom of Laos was officially proclaimed when the new Constitution was promulgated in 1947, as part of the colonial French Union,[3] and obtained full independence in 1953.

This treaty established a constitutional monarchy, with Sisavang Vong as King and Prince Souvanna Phouma as Prime Minister.

The United States supplied the Royal Lao Navy with twenty river patrol boats and sixteen amphibious landing craft.

In response, the United States initiated a bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese positions, supported regular and irregular anticommunist forces in Laos, including those led by Hmong General Vang Pao, and supported Army of the Republic of Vietnam incursions into Laos.

The attack resulted in the army largely demobilizing, leaving the conflict to irregular forces raised by the United States and Thailand.

Massive aerial bombardment against Pathet Lao and PAVN forces was carried out by the United States.

A ceasefire was finally attained in February 1973, following the Paris Peace Accords between the United States and North Vietnam.

In April 1974, another Provisional Government of National Unity was established, with Prince Souvanna Phouma as Prime Minister.

Kaysone Phomvihane acted as Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

About 30,000 to 40,000[7] citizens and members of the old government, including the royal family, were taken to re-education camps in remote areas of Laos.