Samsenethai


Samsenethai also called Oun Huan was the second king of Lan Xang in Indochina. He succeeded his father, Fa Ngum.
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. Local Thai history records that Samsenethai's Mother was a high born lady of Ayuttaya and that she had brought Thai Ministers for the government of Lan Xiang. Also noteworthy, the flag adopted for Lan Xiang is a near copy of the flag of Ayuttaya. Red background with a White elephant in the center. For the duration of his 43-year reign, Lan Xang did not fight a single battle.
Wat Manorom, Wat Oubôsôt, and Wat Xiang Kham were built in Samsenethai's reign. He was succeeded by his son Lan Kham Deng.

Family

  1. Queen Buvana Dhanipaya, Princess Keava Nawi Anungahaya - a daughter of his uncle
  2. # Prince Lamakamadinga Lan Kham Deng, King of Lan Xang
  3. Nang Nawiangsari - daughter of the King of Lan Na
  4. # Prince Gunikama - King of Lan Xang
  5. Queen Keava Rudhi Fa - his cousin, widow of his father, and daughter of King Ramadipati of Ayudhaya
  6. Princess Nang Keava Sridha - daughter of Chao Sidhakama, "Hsenwifa" of Muang Lü
  7. # Prince Kama Dharmasara - King of Lan Xang
  8. Princess Nang Keava Yudhi Fa - his cousin, and a daughter of King Intharacha of Ayutthaya
  9. # Prince Wangsapuri,, King of Lan Xang
  10. # Princess Mahakani - died before 1408, aged five.
  11. a slave
  12. # Kham Keul or Kham-Kert - King of Lan Xang
  13. by unknown women
  14. # Prince Luvanajaya, King of Lan Xang, r.1432-1433
  15. # Thao Somphon
  16. # Princess Anusha.
  17. # Princess Manura.
  18. # Princess Supadhatri.