Sam Thong

Sam Thong, a small village located in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, became a critical hub during the Secret War (1964-1973). It served as a base of operations for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Royal Lao Government’s (RLG) efforts to counter the communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces. As the headquarters for USAID refugee relief operations and the base for Hmong forces under General Vang Pao, Sam Thong was a focal point for both military and humanitarian activities during one of the most intense periods of the conflict.

Strategically located in northern Laos, Sam Thong was central to the coordination of efforts to support the anti-communist forces. The village, though small and remote, became a lifeline for thousands of refugees fleeing the violence. During the 1960s, Sam Thong’s population grew significantly as it became a refuge for displaced persons. The International Voluntary Services (IVS), along with other organizations, provided crucial assistance to these refugees, making the village a key logistical hub. Sam Thong’s airstrip became one of the busiest in Laos, with planes delivering food, medical supplies, and other essentials to support both the civilian population and the military operations against the Pathet Lao (Benson, 2016).

Sam Thong’s importance was not only logistical but also symbolic. It represented a stronghold of anti-communist resistance in the region and was a place where the Hmong, under General Vang Pao’s leadership, organized and launched operations against the advancing communist forces. However, this strategic importance also made Sam Thong a target for the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese Army (NVA).

In March 1970, Sam Thong fell to communist forces, marking a significant setback for the Royal Lao Government and its allies. The fall led to the evacuation of thousands of refugees and the relocation of USAID operations to nearby Long Tieng, which then became the new base for Hmong forces and their American allies. The loss of Sam Thong was a severe blow to the morale of the anti-communist forces and marked a turning point in the Secret War (Benson, 2021).

Sam Thong’s role during the Secret War highlights the complex interplay of military strategy, humanitarian efforts, and the resilience of the Hmong people, who were at the heart of the conflict in northern Laos. The village’s history stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by those who sought to defend their homeland against overwhelming odds.

References

Benson, F. C. (2016). IVS Volunteers in Rural Laos, 1956-1969.

Benson, F. C. (2021). Turbulence in Sam Neua Province (Laos): 1953-1970.

Benson, F. C. (2015). Genesis of the Hmong-American Alliance, 1949-1962: Aspirations, Expectations, and Commitments during an Era of Uncertainty. Hmong Studies Journal, 16, 1-62.

Stuart-Fox, M. (1995). The French in Laos, 1887-1945. Modern Asian Studies, 29(1), 111-139.