King Photisarath

Photisarath is considered to be the most devout of the Lao kings, he banned spirit worship and built temples upon the sites of spirit shrines. His elephant fell and crushed him while he sought to display his prowess to the diplomatic corps. His son Setthathirath returned from Xieng Mai[?] (Chiang Mai) to succeed him to the throne of Lan Xang.

see also history of Laos