Also consider that there is a large part of Thailand bordering on Laos, in which a large part of the population and their dialect are referred to as Lao and which has a history of seeking independence from Bangkok. There is a reason Prem wants to place a large standing army in Isaan, and it probably isn't about repelling invaders from Laos or Cambodge.
As to the Chinese, they are more or less on their way to colonizing Laos. They control the Mekong. There is also the "special economic zone" (Chinese zone) outside of Vientiane: BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China moves into laid-back Laos Have you noticed the lettering on the taxis lined up along the riverbank in Vientiane? Laos tend to be fairly aware of their culture and people I talked to last time I was there expressed concern about Chinese influence.
"Most the Laotian I know, and that's plenty, have no idea about the history of their own country." Are you sure you are in a position to judge?