Kingdom of Laos Flag (1952–1975) – From Ken Conboy’s Collection

This flag of the Kingdom of Laos was used between 1952 and 1975, and it was given to me by Ken Conboy, likely during one of his research trips while writing The Erawan War. While the exact production date is unknown, I’m quite certain it originates from the late 60s or early 70s period.

One important note — as mentioned by Alisak Tuy Sanavongsay on Facebook — If we look online and especially on Wikipedia uploaded around April 2008, we will find a very different version of this flag. Those graphics contain several inaccuracies:

1. The Parasol in the digital version has 8 tiers, but traditionally it should have 7 or 9.
2. The Erawan (three-headed elephant) is drawn with a single-domed head like an African elephant, whereas the Asian elephant has a double-domed head—as seen in my flag.
3. The ears in the digital versions are too long and flat. In fact, they should be smaller and rounder.
4. And also, the front legs are separated. While in my flag and in most traditional Lao royal depictions, they are fused together forming a solid, unified base.
5. An extra line on the leg, making it appear like six legs total, which is incorrect—Erawan is one elephant with three heads, not three separate elephants.

I believe the flag is one of the few surviving physical examples from that era. If anyone has more information about its origin, date, or where it may have been produced, I’d love to hear more. Many thanks!

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