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The Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or VOC in Dutch, literally ‘United East India Company’) was a chartered company established in 1602. It was also arguably the world's first mega-corporation, possessing quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, negotiate treaties, coin money, and establish colonies.<br/><br/> Statistically, the VOC eclipsed all of its rivals in the Asia trade. The VOC enjoyed huge profits from its spice monopoly through most of the 1600s. The VOC became bankrupt and was formally dissolved in 1800.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dr Marion Alonzo Cheek (1853-1895), was a physician, businessman and sometime missionary in Chiang Mai, 1875-95.<br/><br/> His map, drawn for the Presbyterian Mission, indicates the Shan States in brown as 'tributary to Burmah' (although Jinghong, here identified as Cheung Hoong, was and remains a part of China) and the 'Independent Laos Tribes' corresponding approximately to the semi-independent Tai territory of Sipsongchuthai, now a part of Vietnam.<br/><br/> The northern Tai Kingdom of Lan Na, based on Chiang Mai, and the Lao Kingdom of Lan Chang, based on Luang Prabang, are coloured green and represented jointly as 'Laos', while the former Kingdom of Siam, based on Bangkok, encompasses southern Laos (including Vientiane) and a large part of northwest Cambodia, including Angkor Wat and Siem Reap.