By early 1947, the Kingdom of Laos had begun to take shape as Laos - under French political, military and economic control - became unified under the royal house of Louang Phabang.

The French, however, were increasingly bogged down in their struggle with Vietnam's nationalist Viet Minh , which had erupted in December 1946 and was to become known as the First Indochina War. The Viet Minh were also active in Laos, participating in Lao Issara guerilla raids on French convoys and garrisons. In July 1949, France appealed to the more moderate elements of the Lao Issara by conceding greater authority and independence to the Vientiane government. The Lao Issara announced its dissolution.

While the moderate members of the dissolved Lao Issara joined the new Royal Lao Government (RLG) in 1950, Souphanouvong (younger brother of Phetsarath) founded the resistance group " Pathet Lao ", literally "the Land of the Lao" which called for a truly independent Laos to be governed by a coalition government with the RLG. They immediately set about recruiting for the Lao People's Party and the Liberation Army.