The Hmongs who were arrested and jailed in Thailand have explained the reasons why they were forced to flee Laos and enter Thailand illegally, saying they had faced so much persecution by the Lao authorities that they could not remain in Laos because Lao authorities consider them bad elements.
Li Chong Yang, his wife and seven children were part of a group of 274 Hmongs who fled Laos in May to join their relatives living in Ban Huay Nam Khao in Thailand's Phetchabun province, hoping to be able to eventually resettle in the United States . But they were arrested by Thai police and charged with illegally entering the country, and placed in jail throughout the province in groups of 30 to 40 people.
31 Hmongs were recently sent back to Laos secretly. So it is most likely that the rest of the group will be repatriated soon.
Listen to our Laos Today report for further details.