Location
Lat 19° 53' 10N Long 102° 8' 6E  Luang Prabang is located in Louangphabang Province in Laos. Also known as Louangphabang. Louangphrabang, Louang Prabang. Wartime spelling: Luang Prabang.

Wartime History
After the German occupation of France in 1940, Luang Prabang was controlled by a Vichy France administration. During the Franco-Thai War of 1940–1941, occupied by Thailand.

On March 8, 1945 a Laotian nationalist group declared Laos independent and Luang Prabang as the capital. On April 7, 1945 the Japanese Army sent two battalions of troops to occupy the city and restablish Japanese control. The Japanese attempted to force Sisavang Vong, King of Luang Phrabang to declare Laotian independence but on April 8, 1945 he declared an end to French Protectorate status. The King then secretly sent Prince Kindavong to represent Laos to the Allied forces and Sisavang Vatthana as representative to the Japanese.

Postwar
After Japan surrendered, on August 25, 1945 Free French forces occupied Luang Prabang and Sisavang Vong pleged his support of a return to a French Protectorate. During September 1945, Chinese Nationalist forces arrived to accept the surrender of the remaining Japanese forces in the area and to purchase Laotian opium crops.

American missions against Luang Prabang
November 28, 1943 - February 1945

Luang Prabang Airfield
Located one mile east of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang Seaplane Base
Located one mile east of Luang Prabang.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
December 24, 2020