Prince Souvanna Phomma was installed as oupahat of Luang Phrabang in 1878. He was beheaded during the sacking of Luang Prabang, by Đèo Văn Trị, a Tai Dam (Black Tai) chieftain at Lai Chau, on June 8, 1887. He authored a History of Louang Phrabang and had nineteen sons, including Bounkhong, and thirty-one daughters.