Dashed left edge = started before October 1953 ·
Dashed right edge = ongoing beyond October 1953
Events in October 1953 1
1953Laos Gains IndependenceEnd of French colonial ruleLaos gained full independence from France under the Franco-Laotian Treaty, ending its status as a French protectorate. King Sisavang Vong remained head of state as the country transitioned to full sovereignty. Independence came amid the broader collapse of French colonial power in Indochina.