Lao Issara

Kingdom of Laos
ພຣະຣາຊອານາຈັກລາວ
phra raja anachak lav
1945–1946
1946–1949: Government-in-exile
Flag of Lao Issara
Flag
Anthem: Pheng Xat Lao
Hymn of the Lao People
Location of Lao Issara
CapitalVientiane (official), Luang Prabang (ceremonial)
Capital-in-exileBangkok
Common languagesLao (official), French
Religion
Theravada Buddhism
GovernmentProvisional government (1945–1946), Government-in-exile (1946–1949)
Head of State 
• 1945–1946
Prince Phetsarath
Prime Minister 
• 1945–1946
Phaya Khammao
Historical eraWorld War II
8 April 1945
• Lao Issara takeover
12 October 1945
24 April 1946
• Disestablished
24 October 1949
CurrencyLao kip
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Kingdom of Laos
(Japanese puppet)
French protectorate of Laos
Today part ofLaos

The Lao Issara (Lao: ລາວອິສຣະ lit.'Free Laos') was an anti-French, nationalist movement formed on 12 October 1945 by Prince Phetsarath.[1] This short-lived movement emerged after the Japanese defeat in World War II and became the government of Laos before the return of the French. It aimed to prevent the French from restoring their control over Laos. The group disbanded in 1949.