UNHCR seeks to check on Hmongs in Laos

UNHCR regional representative Raymond Hall discussed the matter with Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who told him Vientiane was preparing to allow the UN representative to see the Hmong returnees.

"My Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith told me he has agreed to welcome the UN representatives to see the Hmong returnees in Laos," Noppadon told reporters.

Thailand has sheltered 7,800 Hmong in Phetchabun's Ban Huay Nam Khao village since late 2004. They claim they were close associates of the US Central Intelligence Agency's secret fighters against the Communist Pathet Lao movement before the fall of Vientiane in 1975.

They said they were fleeing suppression to seek political asylum and resettlement in third countries.

Vientiane rejects the allegation and has sought their repatriation from Thailand, which regards them as normal economic migrants who should return to their place of origin.

"But I have reassured the UN there will be no forced repatriation," Noppadon said.