Sen Soulintha

[15][note 2] By that time Sen Soulintha was an old man and reigned only for two years before his son ascended the throne as Nakhon Noi and another succession dispute ensued.

[16] He eventually gained the favor of King Photisarath for his abilities and was ennobled with the rank of Phagna Not Lukien, and became Governor of Pak Houei Luang.

[6][4][16] As one of Setthathirath's most trusted generals Sen Soulintha encouraged the professionalization of Lan Xang's army, and promoted the use of small mobile units.

[23] The exact circumstances of Setthathirath's death are unknown, he may have been wounded or killed while fighting the Khmer under Barom Reachea I, or had been murdered in a plot sponsored by Chao Chantha Siharath the Governor of Nakhon.

[17][25] Once established as regent, Sen Soulintha found himself facing powerful opposition based on his common birth, his favorite status with Photisarath and Settathirath, and the role he played in killing Chao Chantha Siharath.

[26] In an attempt to overcome the factions at court, he deposed his own grandson Prince No Muong in 1572 and took the regnal name Samdach Brhat-Anya Chao Sumangala Ayaka Budhisana Raja Sri Sadhana Kanayudha[27] even though the name in the inscription at Wat Tham Suwannakuha in Suwannakhuha district of Nong Bua Lamphu province states that the regnal name is Somdach Bophit Phrachao Chue Sumangala Bodhisattva Aiyakasorra Sitthidej Luechai Klkai Bhuvanadhibodee Srisurivong [28] .

Following his coronation a number of vassals refused to accept Sen Soulintha, which led to reprisals and an exodus from Vientiane to the south in Champasak and Roi Et.

[26][29] The discontent and bitter succession dispute reached Bayinnaung, who seized the opportunity to demand Sen Soulintha abdication and the surrender Lan Xang around 1573.

Sen Soulintha ordered the preemptive evacuation of Vientiane, and attempted to conduct a third guerrilla campaign against the Burmese but his popular support was too weak.

In place of Sen Soulintha, Bayinnaung installed the former Ouphahat, and Setthathirath's brother, Prince Tha Heua on the throne with the regnal name Voravongsa I.

[15][32] In 1581 Bayinnaung died, and his son Nanda Bayin succeeded him as Emperor of a vast territory which was quickly disintegrating into local factions and regional disputes.