The new site, known locally as Tua Pheng hill, is located six kilometres north of the current shelter. The Third Army Region, which oversees security in the area, would allocate some 100 rai of land for the Hmong, an official said.

Officials are making primary assessments and will begin to prepare the location next month. They expect the government to make its final decision, allocate a budget and begin relocation by January.

Most of the Hmong sheltered in Ban Huay Nam Khao since late 2004 claim they fought for the US Central Intelligence Agency during its secret war against the communist Pathet Lao in the 1970s. They later fled political oppression and were seeking refuge in third countries, notably the United States.

Ban Huay Nam Khao has limited space for the Hmong group, which has grown rapidly due to births and new arrivals. Shelters covered with plastic sheets were built along roadsides in the village, inconveniencing villagers, who are Thai citizens of Hmong descent.

The latest survey conducted by the Third Army Region indicated there had been some 1,000 new arrivals since the middle of this year. Attempts at population control have been inadequate due to human trafficking rings, an official said.

The birth rate is also a problem, as the Hmong have refused birth control measures, resulting in 10 to 15 new babies a month.

Hmong community leader Vang Seng said the refugees have agreed to move anywhere in the Kingdom but would resist plans to return to Laos.

"We want to live in any place in Thailand, because we fear for our safety if we are sent back to Laos," he said.

The Hmong obtained humanitarian assistance from the French medical aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres, which will prepare the group for relocation when a final decision is made by Thai authorities.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

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