I certainly understand that the Hmong refugee issue has become a big problem to the Royal Thai Government in the past two years and I do share your concern. However, please be aware that this unresolved conflict between the Hmong jungle and the Lao PDR Government will not be resolved unless the root of the problem can be identified. Otherwise, forced deportation may cause further conflict, violence and casualties. Please do not misconstrue my statement.
December 22, 2006 at around 4:00 PM Thailand Time, a Hmong American by the name of Ty Vang was accompanied by a group of the Royal Thai Government military officials to Huay Nam Khao. According to the camp leaders, there was a press conference held by the Royal Thai Government. They called upon the camp leaders to listen to what the Royal Thai Government had to inform the Hmong community on the deportation process. Ty Vang was introduced by one of the RTG Generals as the Hmong leader, “General” Ty Vang, indicating that everyone must listen to him.
During the conference, Ty Vang stated the following points:
1. The Hmong in Huay Nam Khao are considered as illegal immigrants. Therefore, they must listen to the Thai government and obey their rules. What they have done (December 20, 2006) was a violation of the law and it should not happen again.
2. The Hmong in Huay Nam Khao should not turn against each other, as separation would only create trouble for them. He further told them that they should not contact any Hmong American for help because they cannot do anything. The only thing that they could help is to give them the” money” and help with the “passports”.
3. There is no third country resettlement program available for them. The only option they have is returning to Laos. Once the Royal Thai and Lao PDR Governments reach an agreement then everyone must go back. However, before deportation can take place, the UNHCR would have to get involve to ensure that everyone returns safely. Once they return to Laos, everyone shall be protected and allowed to participate in the development program in that country, because Laos is their homeland.
4. He said that everyone must understand that all decisions are up to the General (The General from Bangkok-Ty Vang refused to disclose the General’s name to the Hmong). Therefore, they must listen to the General and do what he says. Ty further stated that, with exception to him, no Hmong American has the authority to officially visit them. He is the only Hmong leader that was authorized by the Royal Thai Government to work with the Third Region General to address these issues. In concerning the supporting documents that everyone submitted to claim their cases for third country resettlement, it was not valid. The photos that attached with their summary of claims are not valid due to the fact that they printed it out from the computer and are not acceptable. Everyone must understand that the Royal Thai Government has more documents and knows more about the problem than anyone else. So, please inform everyone in the groups to make sure they understood the situation as well.
I respect the Royal Thai Government’s effort on bringing Ty Vang to the temporary resettlement to address the issue concerning the deportation process. I believe the majority of the Hmong population agrees with the statement addressed by Ty Vang. I also understand that the Royal Thai Government has tried everything to resolve the refugee complication in Thailand. However, I would like to point out a few problems that need to be solved. Without identifying the problem, there can be no real solution. I would suggest that the RTG, UNHCR and the US Embassy consider checking into the following facts before deciding to deport everyone in Huay Nam Khao and elsewhere in Thailand.
In October of 2005, I visited the Hmong Refugees in Huay Nam Khao and found the follow reasons why Hmong migrated to Phetchabun:
· Misinformation about non-existing refugee resettlement program to America
· Lack of citizenship /legal status - based for years in Thailand.
· Hmong Jungles with fear to be accused and persecuted by the Lao PDR government
· Hmong with political agenda that support by Hmong American political group.
Based on the Information I have, the RTG has already separated the group in Huay Nam Khao into seven subgroups and each subgroup has different claim.
Note: please read the complete letter on the attachment.