December 4, 2004

Allegations Draw Strong Response from Hmong Community

Allegations that a Hmong/Thai man profited from refugees in Thailand drew a strong response from the international Hmong community.
On November 11, 2004 the Fact Finding Commission reported Thai citizen Chia Ger Yang had demanded 70,000 Baht from 400 Hmong refugees who where seeking asylum in Thailand.
Representatives of the Hmong International Council met with Fact Finding Commission members and reported Yang is a highly respected member of the Hmong community and has been a friend for many years to those seeking to escape persecution in Laos.
The Hmong International Council's concerns raised questions regarding the accuracy of FFC's report.
Since the report on November 11, 2004 FFC has confirmed the that 150 not 400 persons were arrested by Thai authorities.  FFC also confirmed the 70,000 Baht (Approximately $1,700 U.S.) alleged to have been asked for was not per individual but applied to the whole group of refugees.
In an interview on December 2, 2004 Chia Ger Yang stated the allegations made against him were false.  In the telephone interview Mr. Yang stated that he had not demanded the 70,000 baht from the Hmong refugees that was reported on November 11, 2004 and never has any intent to profit from them, and knew nothing about the arrest of those 150 refugees.  He stated he has helped the Hmong refugees in Thailand who were detained by Thai authority with his own time and resources and has not asked anyone to pay him for his service.  He did not know why such negative allegation against him was reported to Fact Finding Commission.  Mr. Yang stated he would be more than happy to have a dialogue with whoever believes he was profiting from the Hmong refugees in Thailand to clarify any misunderstanding.  Therefore, there will be no such accusation and allegation against one another in the future. 
FFC's report of November 11, 2004 came from a source among the Lao refugees in Thailand.  FFC agreed to report the concerns of the Hmong International Council.