The politics of Chao Anouvong monument and deconstruction of king representation in present-day Laos

Abstract

This paper explores two questions. First, what causes the association between the monarchy, the past Lao political regime, and its revival and reuse to create political legitimacy for the Lao government under the current social context? Second, what are the political implications behind the construction of the many Lao king monuments by the government? How is it related to legitimization and creation of political power? This study analyzes the process of deconstructing the monument of an important Lao king, Chao Anouvong, a historically important figure in Laos, known as a “heroic king” who had fought for the independence of Laos and who is widely acknowledged by the Lao people. This paper aims to point out the political implications linked to the belief behind the construction of the monument of Lao kings, a political symbol that was overthrown by the government but is now revived, and the use of Chao Anouvong’s image to build political power for the Lao government with the new sense of nationalism. This shows that the Lao government uses historical figures to raise awareness of the value of Lao nationalism through the Lao cultural heritage. It also helps create legitimacy for the Lao government’s operation.