Hmong Refugees Startled By Weapons Fire

Last night, Hmong refugees detained in northern Thailand’s Huay Nam Khao camp were startled when they heard bursts of automatic weapons fire. Panicky camp residents feared a mass deportation was about to begin under the cover of night.

It was later reported that Thai soldiers had come unannounced to the home of Nao Shoua Vue to search his home for weapons. In the darkness, a crowd of concerned Hmong refugees gathered to intervene thinking the elder man was being taken away for forced repatriation.

Possibly due to safety concerns, Thai soldiers fired bursts of their automatic weapons into the air to disperse the crowd. This had the effect of unnerving camp residents who couldn’t see what was going on. Most assumed a mass deportation had begun.

Over the past week, Thai soldiers have been asking camp residents to turn in their knives and any other instruments which could possibly be used as a weapon. Some Hmong residents have resisted in cooperating with authorities fearing this is the final stage in their being deported to Laos where they face political persecution.

Since late last month, the Thai military who runs the camp has been telling residents that they would all be forced back to Laos after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva returned from the United States, which was last week.

It is uncertain why the Thai military would decide to search homes at night when they know full well the Hmong residents are in a very panicky state of mind. Maybe this type of automatic weapons fire will convince some camp residents to voluntarily return. The next voluntary repatriation is scheduled for October 15 but so far no volunteers. Maybe this morning some startled camp residents will decide to sign up.

Joe Davy
Hmong Advocate
Chicago

ENDS