I understand the reasoning behind the Lao PDR's initial post-revolutionary urge to change the old flag by removing the xang sam heua (three-headed elephant), but hasn't enough time gone by now to consider reversing that decision on the basis that with xang sam heua the flag has an idiosyncratic resonance that should be exploited in today's world, where it is so very necessary to stand out from the crowd when it comes to attracting tourist attention.

Xang sam heua is a uniquely Lao emblem which I believe should be used to help foreigners identify Lao PDR. It is only the inclusion of the Royal Umbrella which associated the elephant emblem with the former monarchy, so ditch the umbrella and keep xang sam heua!

What do other forum members think of this idea?

You mean Xang Xaam Hua (hua = head; heua can mean boat with a low tone h).

Anyway, I prefer the old one with the umbrella on it because it looks more beautiful. It could be a crown in the place of the umbrella.

http://www.flags.net/old/VNMWLAOS.htm

I wouldn't mind having a hybrid flag that combines the three-head elephant in the old royal flag in the place of the white moon in the new Lao LPDR flag.

Sorry if my Lao is a little rusty, but I've only ever seen it Anglicised the way I spelled it...

My idea for the flag would be very much along the lines you mention, except without the umbrella.

Maybe take out the elephants and keep the White Umbrella.

The White Umbrella or parasail has the most significance

3 head elephant reppin the 3 kingdoms which were under one ruler(LPB) ???

I'd be fine with either one.

Inserting the the 3-headed elephant within the white moon would be best though.

The White parasail is what it seems to be, i think, same meaning as the Coat, in the "Coat of Arms" that appear on most European symbols of certain clans or groups.

It is what protects the Kingdom (3headed elephant) from the elements (which threatens the kingdom). as when ur out in the rain, and the umbrella protects you from the Rain, or the parasail as it shields you from the sun's ray's. It is the unifying symbol that brings all 3 kingdoms under 1 ruler or roof. as in the statue of Chao FaNgum, when he symbolizes the unification of All Lao Muangs under 1 Kingdom by showing one finger.

Now that I think about it, I don't think it would be correct to bring back the 3 headed elephant. Since there is no more king, it would not make sense.

As much as I love the 3 headed Elephant, I don't it would be proper to bring it back when Laos is still not united. The 3 headed Elephant symbolizes Lao unity. When part of Vientiane kingdom and Champasak Kingdom is now part of Thailand, how could the flag truly live up to the meaning of united Lao kingdom?

keep the current flag no loss/gain from replacing with old flag. it is still Laos. perhaps drop PDR - i have no idea what ppl dem rep means.