Laos (Saengchan Xayavong)

Laos (ラオス, Raosu) is a fan-made character for the series Hetalia: Axis Powers. He represents the Lao People's Democraftic Republic or Laos, which is bordered along China, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia. After the fall of the Kingdom of Lan Xang in 1707, Laos became known as the Kingdom of Vientiane. He represents Laos from the 1700s to present day. His given human name is Saengchan Xayavong (セーンチャン·サイアヴォング, Sēnchan Saiavongu; Lao:  ແສງຈັນ ໄຊຍະວົງ), which also means 'moonlight' in Lao.

Appearance
Saengchan has golden/dark brown eyes, black hair and lightly tanned skin. His tuft of hair represents the capital city, Vientiane (Viangchan). His outfit (1940-60s era), consists a light gold mandarin-collared shirt, a green checkered sash, red silk pants and sandals. He often carries around a wooden stick of a sandalwood tree. On formal occasions, his sash and pants are blue and his wooden stick is replaced with a sword. His military uniform consists of a black or white, mandarin-collared jacket, a belt, boots and red silk pants or white trousers, however he may wear gauze wraps around his legs.

Personality and Interests
Though he hides it behind his quiet demeanor, Saengchan is a carefree and loving person. He admires Thailand as a role model since both have grown up with one another, sharing similar ideas. But ever since Thailand's successful gain in wealth and economy, Saengchan has been leaning more towards China for help. Recently, he began to industrialize his country with the help of his siblings and friends. He describes himself as "down-to-earth". When angered, Saengchan becomes very rough, but he tries to hold it back. He has a respect for his older siblings and becomes over-protective of the people he loves. He is troubled between internal conflicts and tries to avoid anything war related.

He remained as a backwater state for France during WWII. Later on, he remained on the side of the Axis Powers during his role as a Japanese puppet state and occupation.

Saengchan enjoys fishing along the river and has interests in both traditional and modern Lao music. In his freetime he practices Muay Lao which is a Laotian martial arts. He enjoys Noi's cooking and visits her often in her hometown of Luang Prabang.

Thailand
Main Article: Thailand

Laos admires Thailand as a role model and both share similar culture and taste. Thailand will occasionally challenge Laos to a match of Muay Thai. Laos depends on his brother, Thailand, for major resources from imports and exports since Laos is a landlocked country. Laos and Thailand also speak very similar languages, where in Thailand's Isan region, a dialect of Lao is spoken due to the fact that had once belonged to Laos.

Vietnam
Main Article: Vietnam

Laos is respectful to Vietnam and views her as pleasant sister despite their rivaled past. Both countries, including Cambodia were colonized by France. Like Laos and Thailand, Laos has also gained influence from Vietnam. In the 20th century, Laos was dragged into the Vietnam War and was frequently bombed and attacked. In spite of this though, Laos understands Vietnam's conflicts and remains in close contact. Today, Laos depends on Vienam for various things ranging from military and economical matters.

China
Main Article: China

Parts of northern Laos used to be part of the Kingdom of Nanzhao of China and Laos had also been a tributary state to China through Vietnam. Saengchan enjoys China's food, however Noi is insulted by this. Recently, China has been helping Laos to industrialize and both have become good partners in business and by military means.

France
Main Article: France

Laos, along with Vietnam and Cambodia were colonized by France into what was known as French Indochina. Unlike Noi who is flattered by France, Saengchan is annoyed by him. Saengchan doesn't view france as a father, since his father is Lan Xang, but as a friend. When France is not present, Saengchan likes to joke about him.

Japan
Main Article: Japan

During World War II, Japan occupied the territories of Laos and came under Axis control as a Japanese puppet state. Saengchan has somewhat of a friendly relationship with Japan and often visits his home. Saengchan has nicknamed Japan, Aipun (a combination of the Lao word Ai, meaning brother and Nyi-pun which derives from the word Japanese word Nippon.)

America
Main Article: America

Despite being bombed by America during the Vietnam War, Laos and America are on friendly terms. Americans are one of the many tourists who visit Laos today.

ASEAN
Laos has close ties with Cambodia and Burma as they are close neighbors. The area of southern Laos had been part of the Khmer Empire, so many Khmer features can be found there. Unfortunately, Lan Xang had then dominated the Mekong Valley contributing to the Khmer Empire's downfall. Laos' northern provinces had also been subject to Burmese rule and invasion in the 18th century. Though time has past, Saengchan hasn't forgotten the multiple Burmese attacks on hs country. He still views Burma/Myanmar as a good friend. Laos and the other ASEAN or Southeast Asian countries have excellent economic bonds.

Appearances
Laos is an unofficial character and does not appear as a character in Himaruya's web comic nor the anime. However, he did state that he might consider making ASEAN characters, Laos being one of them.

Trivia

 * Laos' birthday corresponds to the Lao Independence Day, July 19th, 1949, when he declared himself independent from France and French Indochina.
 * Male Laos, or Saengchan has a female counterpart, Noi Chanthavong who also represents Luang Prabang.
 * Laos does not treat France as a father figure.
 * This is partly due to the fact that Laos' father is Lan Xang.
 * Saengchan also represents the Prefecture of Vientiane.
 * Also, Saengchan's sister, Dao represents Vientiane Province.
 * Like Thailand, Laos has a pet elephant.
 * More Laos artwork!