History of Laos By Ranen Turner May 11, 1947 Laos accepts constitution for parliamentary democracy Laos accepts constitution for parliamentary democracy Jul 19, 1949 Laos becomes associated state within French Union Dec 30, 1950 Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia become Independent states in France Union Oct 22, 1953 Laos gains full independence from France Oct 23, 1953 - France grants Laos' sovereignty Dec 24, 1954 Laos gains its independence May 29, 1957 Laos government of prince Suvanna Phuma resigns Aug 25, 1957 Prince Suvanna Phuma forms government in LAOS, with Pathet Lao Dec 13, 1960 Laos General Fumi Nosavang occupies Vientiane May 15, 1962 US marines arrive in Laos Jun 12, 1962 Laos prince Souvanna Phouma forms coalition government Jun 23, 1962 Laos Suvanna Phuma forms government Jul 23, 1962 The International Agreement on the Neutrality of Laos is signed. Apr 19, 1964 Rightist coup in Laos, Suvanna Phuma remains premier May 21, 1964 US begin intelligence flights above Laos Feb 8, 1971 South Vietnamese troops invade Laos Feb 13, 1971 12,000 South Vietnamese troops cross into Laos Mar 14, 1971 South Vietnamese troops flee Laos Aug 23, 1975 Communists take over Laos Dec 2, 1975 Laos king Sisavang Vatthana resigns, republic forms Dec 15, 1993 Y-12 crashes at Phonesavanh, Laos: 18 killed Sep 26, 2009 Typhoon Ketsana (2009) hit the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, causing 700 fatalities.