Laos Defense Minister says the issue of Huay Nam Khao Hmongs is a joint responsibility for Laos and Thailand alone, and there is no need to involve a third country or an international organization.
General Douangchay Phichit made the remarks during the recently-held 15th meeting of the Lao-Thai, Thai-Lao Joint Border Security Committee in Bangkok.
Laos has asked Thailand to provide it a list of the Hmongs living in Ban Huay Nam Khao in Thailand's Phetchaboun province so that it can begin screening their nationalities, which Thai authorities have not yet complied.
Nevertheless, Thai officials say they expect to complete all processes and begin repatriating the Hmongs by year's end.
There are currently over 8,000 Hmongs living along side the road leading to Ban Huay Nam Khao in the Khao khoh district of Thailand's Phetchaboun province, up from the approximately previously estimated 6,000.
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