Samsenethai
Encyclopedia
Samsenethai was the second king of Lan Xang
, the son of Fa Ngum
, whom he succeeded.
He ruled from 1372 until 1417. The origin of the name Samsenethai is thought to be a reflection of the political and social upheaval occurring within the area at the time of his rule. Samsenethai literally means "300,000 Thai," thus reflected the result of a census conducted in his reign. It is unclear whether the census included the entire population or just men capable of bearing arms.
There is also discussion as to whether during this period, the terms "Thai" and "Lao" were interchangeable, whether the term "Lao" yet existed, or whether "Thai" was used in his name to refer to the fact that the census included all Tai
groups. For the duration of 43 year reign, Lan Xang did not fight a single battle.
Samsenethai had five daughters; Princess Keo Koumari, Princess Anousa, Princess Manora, Princess Souphutta, and Princess Siva Yaka.
He had three sons by Princess Ngo Fa of Ayutthaya; Prince Lan Kham Deng
, Prince Sai, Prince Khamteam. His other sons, Prince Kongkeo, Prince Leu Xay, and Prince Fa Kheun's mother was Princess Noy Onsa of Lan Na.
Wat Manorom
, Wat Ubosot, and Wat Chiang Kham were built in Samsenethai's reign. He was succeeded by his son Lan Kham Deng.
Lan Xang
The Lao kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Kao was established in 1354 by Fa Ngum.Exiled as an infant to Cambodia, Prince Fa Ngum of Xieng Dong Xieng Thong married a daughter of the Khmer king. In 1349 he set out from Angkor at the head of a 10,000-man army to establish his own country...
, the son of Fa Ngum
Fa Ngum
Somdetch Brhat-Anya Fa Ladhuraniya Sri Sadhana Kanayudha Maharaja Brhat Rajadharana Sri Chudhana Negara better known as Fa Ngum established the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang in 1354....
, whom he succeeded.
He ruled from 1372 until 1417. The origin of the name Samsenethai is thought to be a reflection of the political and social upheaval occurring within the area at the time of his rule. Samsenethai literally means "300,000 Thai," thus reflected the result of a census conducted in his reign. It is unclear whether the census included the entire population or just men capable of bearing arms.
There is also discussion as to whether during this period, the terms "Thai" and "Lao" were interchangeable, whether the term "Lao" yet existed, or whether "Thai" was used in his name to refer to the fact that the census included all Tai
Tai peoples
The Tai ethnicity refers collectively to the ethnic groups of southern China and Southeast Asia, stretching from Hainan to eastern India and from southern Sichuan to Laos, Thailand, and parts of Vietnam, which speak languages in the Tai family and share similar traditions and festivals, including...
groups. For the duration of 43 year reign, Lan Xang did not fight a single battle.
Samsenethai had five daughters; Princess Keo Koumari, Princess Anousa, Princess Manora, Princess Souphutta, and Princess Siva Yaka.
He had three sons by Princess Ngo Fa of Ayutthaya; Prince Lan Kham Deng
Lan Kham Deng
Lan Kham Deng was the third king of the Lao state of Lan Xang. He was the oldest son of Samsenethai.During his reign, the king of Vietnam requested that Lan Kham Deng send some troops to help the Vietnamese fight off the Chinese, who were attacking them...
, Prince Sai, Prince Khamteam. His other sons, Prince Kongkeo, Prince Leu Xay, and Prince Fa Kheun's mother was Princess Noy Onsa of Lan Na.
Wat Manorom
Wat Manorom
Wat Manorom is a major Buddhist temple and monastery in Luang Prabang, Laos. There are several theories as to the date of its founding; it may have been founded in 1372 or 1375 by Samsenthai, but it may also date from the reign of Laasaenthai Bouvanaat around 1492. The great bronze Buddha, 6...
, Wat Ubosot, and Wat Chiang Kham were built in Samsenethai's reign. He was succeeded by his son Lan Kham Deng.