Life and Survival of Vietnamese Refugees in Upper Northeastern Thailand, 1940s - 1960s

Abstract

     During the 1940s to the1960s, Vietnamese refugees in Upper Northeastern Thailand were a group of refugees under close surveillance by the Thai state. This group was under suspicion due to their ties to communism, which the Thai government deemed a major threat. As a result, Vietnamese refugees faced many obstacles to their livelihoods due to the actions of the government and local people. The life of Vietnamese people as 'Yuan Oppayop' (Vietnamese refugees) seemed to be fragile, as well as lacking in security and stability. However, Vietnamese refugees used all possible means to survive and seek security to live in Thailand as normally as possible.

     This article aims to examine the issue of the Vietnamese refugees' struggle for survival under various forms of pressure and violence resulting from government policies, attitudes, and actions, as well as those of the people in their communities. This article analyzes some Vietnamese refugees’ lives to understand Vietnamese refugees’ survival problems.  Documentary evidence relating to Vietnamese refugees is used, such as their complaints and petition letters. The research found that to survive in a variety of difficult situations, the Vietnamese refugees used their relationships with local Thais or fellow Vietnamese within their communities. They also used legal loopholes and circumvented the law in various ways. In addition, they submitted petitions regarding injustices or distress in their lives to the Thai government or international agencies involved in the supervision of Vietnamese refugees in Thailand.