Thai Police Aerial Resupply Unit (PARU)

The Thai Police Aerial Resupply Unit (PARU) was a specialized paramilitary unit established in the 1950s to support Thailand’s internal security and border control efforts. Composed of highly trained soldiers skilled in guerrilla warfare, parachuting, and civil affairs, the PARU operated independently in remote areas and played a crucial role during the Laotian Civil War. Under the leadership of CIA officer Bill Lair, the PARU provided essential training and support to the Hmong forces led by Vang Pao as part of Operation Momentum. Lair’s leadership was instrumental in the success of the PARU, making it an effective force in countering communist expansion in Southeast Asia (Anthony & Sexton, 1993).

Reference:

Anthony, V. B., & Sexton, R. R. (1993). The War in Northern Laos 1954-1973.