The traditional system of government in Laos

Abstract

The genealogy of ancient rulers in Laos might refer mainly to the male line such a primogeniture since the decent of rulers was traced through the paternal line. The eldest prince of the kingdom (Muang) succeeded to the throne as the Chao Muang while other princes were sent to rule over new domains autonomously like tributary states (Kin Muang). But the domains of the kingdom became so limited that it was inevitable to increase the position of ruler into four position, Chao Muang, Uppahat, Ratsawong and Ratsabut since these princes were no longer appointed to govern new domains but to the aforementioned posts. As a result, the kingdom was divided into at least four regions (Kong) which were governed by Chao Muang, Uppahat, Ratsawong and Ratsabut with having his own region.In addition to this governing group, there was also a bureaucratic group of nobles which was known as Khu Ban Khang Muang. The administration of Lao kingdoms had many ministers and divisions but apparently it was neither functional nor well arranged in proper system. The main problem of this type of organization was its loose integration because there was no centralized authoritarian rule or body of regulations to ensure the allegiance of the subjects. For this reason the main kingdoms were easily segmented into several independent kingdoms. Each ruler of the kingdom claimed Khun Buhom as their ancestor but did not practice ancestor worship.The rulers of the kingdom were all in a consanguineal group so the legitimacy of government was not due to moral authority but due to a consanguineal relationship, especially to primogeniture. Consequently, the Muangs of Lao people were eminently tribal.