January 5, 2004
Resistance forces in the Lao border province of Sayaboury have become more
active after receiving financial support from Hmong based in the United
States, including former military leader Gen Vang Pao, security sources
have revealed.
"Increased financial support from Hmong in the US has revived the
resistance movement inside Laos, especially in Sayaboury, opposite Nan
province," said an army officer in charge of border security.
Led by Gen Vang Pao's son, Wanjong Saewang, an upsurge in rebel activities
over the past year had prompted Vientiane to set up a combined special
forces unit with the Vietnamese military, sources said.
"Laos requested support from Vietnam in tackling the resistance movement
in July," said an intelligence officer from the Third Army. "An
agreement was reached recently to form a combined special forces unit in
Sayaboury to deal with the problem."
Lao troops had deployed hundreds of booby traps along the border o pposite
Song Khwae, Chalermphrakiat, Thung Chang and Chiang Klang districts in
Nan, sources said.
Security had been reinforced and curfews imposed at several border
locations to curb the resistance movement.
"They have also strengthened intelligence units along the border,"
sources said. The intelligence officer said the resistance forces had
killed at least 12 Lao border troops and officials over the past year. The
most daring raid occurred in mid-July, when an official was killed in
broad daylight at Nam-ngern pass, opposite Huay Kon, he said.
Two months later, eight troops were killed and 10 wounded while patrolling
a river near Hongsa town.
Wanjong Saewang was allegedly supported by military commander Rawi sae Maa
and Tai sae Wang, who recruited Hmong living in the North to the
resistance movement.
"With huge financial support from the US, they have been able to recruit
local Hmong from the North and Saraburi's Tham Krabok district," said a
cavalry officer.
Vientiane was aware the rebels took refuge in our country, he said.
Over the past few months, Hmong living in the North had admitted being
paid for taking part in cross-border missions into Laos.
"Unless we can block their financial support, the movement will be hard
to control," said a security officer.
Submitted by:
Center for Public Policy Analysis
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Washington, D.C. 20006
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