WI: Lan Xang (Laos) stays united

IOTL, the Kingdom of Lan Xang (modern Laos) went through a process of breaking up between the late 17th century and early 18th century, which lead to the creation of two kingdoms -- Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Both were absorbed by Thailand later, and stayed part of the state up until the french colonized Indochina.
Thus, the question is -- how do we get Lan Xang to stay united and independent?
In such a scenario, what are the effects on Southeast Asia? Will Lan Xang try to absorb or puppetize Cambodia, considering its weakness? Will Thailand and Vietnam become allied in case Lan Xang becomes too powerful?
 
No takers?
Can Lan Xang pull a Meiji? How many resources does Laos have and how technically competent is its population?
(Sorry if i have more questions than answers)
 
I'm more versed on the history of Vietnam and Thailand but I can tell you what I know about Laos relative to them.

Laos' population was and is incredibly low compared to both Thailand and Vietnam. I think the most likely scenario is that it remains unified, but as a buffer state between the two. Its also isolated. Barring some sort of collapse of Vietnam and Thailand I don't really see how they can escape from under a tributary relationship with one of them.
 
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