Pathet Lao vs. Royal Army
What's the Difference?
Pathet Lao and the Royal Army were two opposing military forces in Laos during the Laotian Civil War. Pathet Lao was the communist guerrilla movement supported by North Vietnam, while the Royal Army was the official military force of the Royal Lao Government supported by the United States. Pathet Lao aimed to overthrow the monarchy and establish a communist government, while the Royal Army fought to maintain the status quo and prevent the spread of communism in Laos. The conflict between these two forces resulted in a prolonged and devastating civil war that ultimately led to the communist takeover of Laos in 1975.
Comparison
| Attribute | Pathet Lao | Royal Army |
|---|---|---|
| Ideology | Communist | Monarchist |
| Leadership | Prince Souphanouvong | King Savang Vatthana |
| Support | Backed by North Vietnam | Supported by United States |
| Goals | Establish a communist government | Preserve monarchy and traditional hierarchy |
Further Detail
Background
The Pathet Lao and the Royal Army are two military forces that played significant roles in the Laotian Civil War. The Pathet Lao, also known as Lao People's Liberation Army, was the military arm of the communist political movement in Laos. On the other hand, the Royal Lao Army was the official military of the Kingdom of Laos, which was supported by the United States during the conflict.
Leadership
The Pathet Lao was led by Kaysone Phomvihane, who was a key figure in the communist movement in Laos. He played a crucial role in organizing the Pathet Lao forces and leading them in the fight against the Royal Army. In contrast, the Royal Army was led by General Vang Pao, who was a prominent Hmong military leader and a key ally of the United States during the conflict.
Organization
The Pathet Lao operated as a guerrilla force, utilizing hit-and-run tactics and blending in with the local population to avoid detection. They were known for their ability to adapt to the rugged terrain of Laos and launch surprise attacks on Royal Army positions. On the other hand, the Royal Army was a more conventional military force, with a hierarchical command structure and a focus on traditional warfare tactics.
Support
The Pathet Lao received support from North Vietnam and China, who provided them with weapons, training, and logistical support. This assistance was crucial in enabling the Pathet Lao to sustain their insurgency against the Royal Army. In contrast, the Royal Army was supported by the United States, who provided them with military aid, advisors, and air support during the conflict.
Strategy
The Pathet Lao focused on winning the hearts and minds of the Laotian population, offering land reforms and social programs to gain support for their cause. They also targeted key infrastructure and government installations to weaken the Royal Army's hold on the country. On the other hand, the Royal Army relied on conventional military tactics, such as large-scale offensives and air strikes, to try and defeat the Pathet Lao forces.
Legacy
After the end of the Laotian Civil War, the Pathet Lao emerged victorious and established a communist government in Laos. Kaysone Phomvihane became the country's first Prime Minister and played a key role in shaping the nation's political landscape. In contrast, General Vang Pao fled Laos and eventually settled in the United States, where he continued to advocate for the Hmong people and their contributions to the war effort.
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