The Perception of Pra Wor and Pra Taa on the Descent of Ayasee’s of Mueang Ubon Writing

Abstract

Perception of the past among the Mekong community is constructed differently by political views. For instance, in the mid-18th century, Pra Wor and Pra Taa were Laotians who refused to obey the power of the King of Vientiane and escaped from Lanxang Kingdom. They crossed the west bank of the Mekong River and settled down in Noong Bua Laam Poo, Champassak, Don Mod Daeng, and Huy Jae Ra Mae respectively. The Sila Viravong version of Lao historiography perceived Por Wor and Por Taa as different from the people of Luang Pra Bang, Vientiane and Champassak. On the other hand, the history of Mueang Ubon on the west bank of the Mekong River considered Por Wor and Por Taa to be the founders of this town, and ancestors of the first governor (Jao Khampoong). This account is an example of conflicting historical interpretations. Present day, the descendants of Ayasee of Mueang Ubon and the Ubonian recognize Pra Wor and Pra Taa as symbols of the Mueang Ubon legend, which traces back to Lanxang Kingdom.