Savang Vatthana was the last king of Laos, reigning from 1959 until 1975. He was born on July 13, 1907, and became king after the death of his father, King Sisavang Vong. His reign was marked by political turmoil and the rise of communist forces in the region. In 1975, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party took control, leading to the abolition of the monarchy. Following this, Savang Vatthana was placed under house arrest and later died in captivity in 1980. His reign symbolizes the end of the traditional monarchy in Laos and the beginning of a new political era.