Mr. Dao Vong Thor, one of the leaders at Hmong Refugee camp at Ban Huay Nam Khao in Kao Kho district, Phetchanbun province told VOA that 80 percent of the shelters at the camp are destroyed. He also called for help from the United Nations and international human rights groups the Hmong are afraid that Thai authorities to send them back to Laos soon. He said now the Hmong have to move out of the camp and live along both sides of the road leading to the camp.
One of the reasons the refugees have been holding protest since May 16, 2008 is demanding the United Nations step in and prevent their return to Laos. Mr. Dao Vong Thor said Thai army, who are responsible for the security at the camp, tried all means to force the Hmong to go back to Laos voluntarily and one of them includes the arrest of the Hmong leaders at the camp.
However, Thai army had denied the accusation of Mr. Dao Vong Thor and said the Hmong is responsible for the fire. Thai official said of 1,300 shelters at the center, about 850 were destroyed.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.