Parts of Laos have been controlled by various outside empires such as the Khmer. By the nineteenth century the country was controlled by Siam. The "Emerald Buddha" in Wat Phra Keaw came from Laos during this period. By 1970 (20th Century), France controlled all of Laos. Laos gained independence from France in 1953 and became the Kingdome of Laos. However, there was never any peace in Laos. The country was in civil war until the end of the Vietname war in 1975. Then the communist Pathet Lao party gained control of the government. they have ruled the country since.