He briefly ruled as king of the Japanese puppet state of Luang Prabang in late 1945, but was dethroned by the Lao Issara for his pro-French stance.

Born on 14 July 1885, Prince Khao was the eldest surviving son of King Zakarinth and Queen Consort Thong-sy.

[citation needed] In the early years of his reign, Sisavang Vong's residence, the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang, was built by the French.

He managed to unite several provinces under his authority, including Houaphan in 1931, Houakhong, Xiengkhouang and Vientiane in 1942, and Champassak and Sayboury in 1946.

These statues show him giving the people a constitution, symbolising his role in achieving independence from the French Union.