Cristophe CALAIS

During the Vietnam War, large numbers of ethnic Hmong sided with the US army as the conflict spread into neighbouring Laos, and provided an important support role. But at the end of the war, the US Government stopped its support for the Hmong. Up to 300,000 Hmong fled to Thailand after Laos fell under communist rule in 1975. The Hmong fought for the US army and have feared reprisals ever since. The recent US agreement to accept qualifying refugees from Wat Tham Krabok camp was designed to answer long-running criticism that it had turned its back on the Hmong. The refugee camp, based near Saraburi, 130 km (80 miles) north of Bangkok, is the only official centre in Thailand for Hmong refugees. It has been regarded by the Thai authorities as a base for rebel activities and Thailand had pushed for it to be shut down. Unable to return to Laos, the refugees have no choice but being resettled in the United States.

	CHRISTOPHE CALAIS		home page site en français switch to english
	Far from Laos		1/46 play contact sheet
	During the Vietnam War, large numbers of ethnic Hmong sided with the US army as the conflict spread into neighbouring Laos, and provided an important support role. But at the end of the war, the US Government stopped its support for the Hmong. Up to 300,000 Hmong fled to Thailand after Laos fell under communist rule in 1975. The Hmong fought for the US army and have feared reprisals ever since. The recent US agreement to accept qualifying refugees from Wat Tham Krabok camp was designed to answer long-running criticism that it had turned its back on the Hmong. The refugee camp, based near Saraburi, 130 km (80 miles) north of Bangkok, is the only official centre in Thailand for Hmong refugees. It has been regarded by the Thai authorities as a base for rebel activities and Thailand had pushed for it to be shut down. Unable to return to Laos, the refugees have no choice but being resettled in the United States.