Indeed, expansion and consolidation occurred throughout most of the Ayutthaya period, primarily by absorption of Khmer, Burmese and Laotian territory and people.

LAOTIAN BUDDHISM TAKES A NEW TURN Though a small country with a small population, Laos was strong religiously Before the Communist takeover in 2518/1975, Buddhism was the state religion under royal patronage and the Sangha was unified, with no division into sects or denominations, under the leadership of the Supreme Patriarch LAOTIAN BUDDHISM TAKES A NEW TURN Though a small country with a small population, Laos was strong religiously.

ART: PHOTOS CUTLINE: (1) Malisa Chanthavangso, 6, of Sturbridge, a member of the Laotian Community Center of Worcester, performs a traditional Laotian folk dance yesterday at the sixth annual Asian Festival.