He was born into the privileged ruling family of Khong Island. As commander of the Vientiane Military Region, he collaborated with generals Ouane Rattikone and Siho Lamphouthakoun to launch a right-wing coup d'etat on April 19, 1964.
In 1973, he ruthlessly put down a coup attempt by Brigadier General Thao Ma, reportedly executing some 60 conspirators.