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Period: to
Miao Rebellion
'Miao Rebellion' in Guizhou, China, leads to persecution and mass exodus of Hmong to the mountains of present day Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. -
French Colonization of Laos
The French colonize Laos and establish a protectorate. -
Laos Recognizes the Hmong People
Laos Constitution recognizes Hmong people as part of the Lao nation. -
Defeat at Dien Bien Phu, Laos Monarchy and Civil War Between Royalists and Communists
French defeated at Dien Bien Phu in Northwest Vietnam. Laos gains full independence as a constitutional monarchy and joins the UN. Civil war breaks out between Royalists and Pathet Lao Communists. -
Period: to
The "Secret War" In Laos
The "Secret War" in Laos, part of the US's broader war against communist forces in southeast Asia, goes into full swing. Hmong, led by General Vang Pao, recruited to fight the Pathet Lao, ally of the North Vietnamese. Laos subject to extensive aerial bombing by the US. It's estimated that more bombs dropped on Laos than were used during the whole of World War Two. -
Vang Pao General of Royal Lao Army
Vang Pao made General of the Royal Lao Army. -
The Paris Peace Accords are signed. (January)
The Paris Peace Accords are signed. The US agrees to end its involvement in the Vietnam War. -
Period: to
100,000 Hmong resettled in the US
100,000 Hmong resettled in the US. -
Fall of Saigon and Pathet Lao control Laos leading to fleeing of Hmong in Thailand.
Saigon falls to North Vietnamese forces. Pathet Lao take control of Laos, forcing many Hmong to flee to Thailand. -
General Vang Pao leaves Thailand to come to US and First Hmong Migrate to US and France
General Vang Pao leaves Thailand for the US. First Hmong migrate to America and France. -
Period: to
Hmong Refugees Escape
10,000 Hmong refugees escape from refugee camps to Thai Buddhist temple 'Wat Tham Krabok' and Hmong villages in northern Thailand rather than be repatriated to Laos. -
Refugee Camps Close & Return to Laos
Thai refugee camps closed. Thousands of Hmong are returned to Laos despite continuing reports of torture and persecution. -
Secret War Revealed in US
After over 20 years of denial, the US under the Clinton Administration acknowledges its role in the 'Secret War' in Laos in the 1960s and 1970s. -
US Agreement to 15,000 Hmong Refugees
US agrees to accept 15,000 Hmong refugees from Wat Tham Krabok camp in Thailand. -
New Wave of Hmong Flee to Resettle
New wave of Lao Hmong flee to Thailand to join those at Wat Tham Krabok awaiting resettlement. Many are moved to Huay Nam Khao camp in Phetchabun province in the North of Thailand. -
Hmong are Transferred and Flee, But Still Remain Imprisoned
194 Hmong (152 from Laos and 42 from Vietnam) are rounded up in Bangkok despite most having been awarded refugee status by UNHCR. Hmong from Vietnam are resettled in the US. Lao Hmong are transferred to Nong Khai detention centre in the north of Thailand where they remain to this day. -
General Vang Pao and others Arrested
General Vang Pao and 10 others are arrested in the US for allegedly plotting to overthrow the communist government of Laos. -
Refugees Try to Rebel
Approximately 5,000 refugees march from refugee camp in Phetchabun to raise awareness of their plight. Thai military stop the demonstrators several kilometers from the camp. More than 800 refugees forcibly repatriated to Laos. -
Thai Government Decide to Send All Hmong Back to Laos
Thai Government announces its intention to send all Hmong refugees back to Laos by the end of the year. -
Trial of Vang Pao and Co-Defendants
Trial of Vang Pao and co-defendants in the US put forward to October. -
MSF Withdraws and Appeals to Thai and Lao Governments to Stop Repatriation of Hmong Refugees
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), the sole international presence in Huay Nam Khao camp, withdraws, citing restrictions by Thai authorities. MSF publicly appeals for Thai and Lao governments to stop forced repatriation of Hmong refugees.
