Hmong community worried about loved ones overseas

Posted: wnRenderDate('Thursday, December 31, 2009 11:58 AM EST', '', true); Dec 31, 2009 11:58 AM EST

MADISON (WKOW) -- Hmong families are frantic for their loved ones in Thailand, some of whom have been shipped to Laos against their will. That's the same country their people fled, fearing persecution.

Now, some families in Madison are worried their family members will be forced to stay where they're not safe.

27 News sat down with a Hmong family who's son was taken to Laos last week.

The Thao family came to the US from Thailand in 2004. Their son and brother, Toua, wasn't allowed to leave the refugee camp in Thailand. And after hearing more than 4500 Hmong were shipped to Laos last week from that country, the Thao family feared the worst.

Neng Thao explained through an interpreter, "He (Toua) just call their parents this morning.. He was already deported from Thailand to Laos. He secretly made a phone call from Laos."

Koua Vang, the executive director of the United Asian Services of Wisconsin, says, "Many were forced into the truck, and some were even kicked. It's a devastating concern to us."

A minority people in Laos, the Hmong helped the US fight against Laos Communists during the 1960's and 70's. It was after, that they fled for fear of persecution to the US, Thailand, and other countries.

Doua Vang works at the Kajsiab House, a center for elders among the Hmong community in Madison. He says, "It's very stressful for elders.. knowing their family was sent back."

Vang explains, "The fear is that they could disappear or be sent to another camp and never come back."

The Hmong community in Wisconsin is now working together, hoping the worldwide community will come to their aid.

Koua Vang added, "Certainly, we are the minority here, and we need the whole country to help us."

The Hmong community in Madison has sent letters to lawmakers, and even held a phone conference this morning to try to determine what they could do.. if anything. The US and other countries have criticized the move by the Thai government.

The Laos government has maintained all who return will do so peacefully. They even hosted the south-east asian olympics.. in November.

 Online reporting by Teresa Mackin

Find Teresa on Facebook @tmackin_wkow