Pathet Lao

Pathet Lao (Lao, “Land of the Lao”), revolutionary movement in Laos, founded by Prince Souphanouvong in 1950 to fight against the French in alliance with the Vietminh after the breakup of the Lao Issarak movement (Free Laos movement) in 1949, when many of its leaders were prepared to cooperate with the French Empire. Between 1950 and 1954, the Pathet Lao gained strength in north-eastern Laos, especially in the two provinces of Phong Saly and Houaphan (Sam Neuae), when the Battle of Điên Biên Phu and the Geneva conference brought the war to an end. In 1956 the Pathet Lao created a political wing, the Neo Lao Haksat (Lao Patriotic Front), to participate in the political life of the country. Relative calm prevailed until 1958 as a government of National Union, including Pathet Lao representatives, sought to implement the Geneva agreement. But in July 1959 right-wing forces in Vientiane imprisoned Prince Souphanouvong, who escaped a year later. In retaliation, the Pathet Lao seized back the two provinces of Phong Saly and Houaphan. In the 1960s and 1970s the Pathet Lao, with the support of the North Vietnamese, fought a civil war against the United States-backed Laotian government, winning effective control of the north and east of the country. Thus, increasingly from 1963 onwards, developments in Laos were linked with those in the Vietnam War. Sections of eastern Laos were vital parts of the Vietnamese Communist supply lines to the south (the Ho Chi Minh Trail). In May 1975, after the fall of South Vietnam, the Pathet Lao seized power from the Vientiane government. At the same time it became apparent that the Pathet Lao was simply a front for the Lao People's Revolutionary Party founded in 1955, and its Communist leadership has governed the country ever since.