Lao Peoples Democratic Republic
Ministry of Interior Prisons and Seminar Camp System
The Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (LPDR) Ministry of Interior (MOI) was responsible for the administration and management of all labor reform, reeducation, rehabilitation, seminar, prison, interrogation, and temporary detention facilities for various categories of domestic civil and political criminals, including civilian and. military LPDR government and communist party officials who committed criminal and political offenses. The MOI was also responsible for the detention and interrogation of non-Lao foreign nationalspecial central-level detention and interrogation facilities. These facilities were usually reserved for national-level political, espionage, and national security-related cases. Cases involving ethnic Vietnamese residents of Laos and ethnic Vietnamese resistance group members captured in Laosurned over to Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) MOIurisdiction; captured Vietnamese resistance group personnel were transferred to SRV MOI control in Vietnam. Although fragmentary reporting noted that the MOI had picked up various foreign nationals (Australian, British, French, Thai, West German)5 who were eventually released and allowed to leave the country, reporting did not identify or name the facilities in which they were detained in Vientiane City for questioning.
Reporting has indicated the LPDR MOI went through several reorganizations since5 under the guidance and direction of the SRV MOI Specialist Group in Vientiane, and that the LPDR MOI was organizationally structured on the model of the SRV MOI. Reference was made in reportingolice Interrogation-Investigations Department under the General. Department for Peoples Policehich, like the SRV MOI's GDPP Police Interrogation-Investigations Department, would have central-level pre-trial detention and interrogation facilities for the interrogation, investigation and future disposition of major civil criminal cases. Since the LPDR MOI's General Department for Counterintelligence (GDCI) is modeled after the SRV MOI's GDCI, it should alsoecurity Interrogation-Investigations Department with its own central-level pre-trial interrogation and detention facilities. These facilities would hold domestic anti-regime political (counterreactionary,"counterrevolutionary, economic security, resistance, sabotage, espionage, national security) suspects, as well as foreign nationals, for interrogation, investigation and further disposition.
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3. The GDCX's predecessor orq.inization, the Political Security Bloc, had at least two pre-trial detention and interrogation facilities in Vientiane City which appear to fit the profile of central-level GDCI Security
Interrogation-Investigations Department facilities. One was known as the That Dam Detention and Interrogationnd the other as the Phonthan Prison. Domestic political cases were held at both facilities, where officers from at least Foreign Counterespionage (Political Security) Departmentare involved in questioning and investigating political cases with documented or suspected foreign connections. .Although no foreign nationals were specifically noted in reporting ot these two facilities, one of them may have been involved, for example, in the detentionest German In ear-ly the Pakse police in Champassak Provinceest German female passport holder (not furtheridentified by name) for entering Laos illegally. The woman had papers stating sheuddhist nun, who had been ordained in Sri Lanka andesident of Ubon Province, Thailand. The Pakse police suspected sheoreign intelligence agent, and detained and questioned her for IS days before transferring her oneptember to the HOI in Vientiane where she was still held as ofo further information is
available.
4. The General Department for People's Police (GDPP) sat on tophain of command which was responsible for the MOI prison system. It was headed by General Saisoraphengnd his deputies. Lieutenant Colonels Phosai, Onsa Vilavong, Sali Phailot, Souban Keophila, and Champa. As ofieutenant Colonel Phosai Saipanya was also in charge of the That Dam Interrogation Center in Vientiane. As ofhe GDPP hadersonnel. Personnel were assigned'to one of at least eight subordinatestaff research, administrative management police, criminal police, traffic and firefighting police, prisons police managementconomic police, security guards police, police interrogation-investigations. The GDPP had two SRV MOI advisory specialists assigned to its main GDPP staff office, as well as two SRV MOI advisory specialists assigned to each department under the GDPP. As of the GDPP also had three East German advisory specialists/technicians. Reporting noted that, during theersons were arrested for criminalere sent toere sent to "seminar" camps,ivil prisoners were released from prison,risoners received commuted sentences, andetainees were
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released from "seminar" camps.
5. The GDPP Prisons Management (Rehabilitation) Department was headed by Colonel) or Lieutenant Colonel Souban Keophila and his deputy. Major Bounmai Sivin. Two SRV MOI advisory specialists were assigned to tbe Prisons Management Department. The Department administered all central-level prisons, the reeducation seminar camp system for former Royal Lao 'Government (RLG) and Royal Lao Armed Forces (FAR) personnel, and provided staff guidance and direction to the prisons management police offices of the vientiance City Public Security Office (PSO) and all provincial PSO's. Provincial PSO prisons management police offices, as well as subordinate district PSO's, had at least one detention facility. Central facilities included the Sam Khe Prison in Vientiane Province, the That Dam Center in Vientiane City, and the Phonthan Prison in Vientiane City. The Central Sara Khe Prison was French-built at KilometerKM-6: was commanded by Than, and heldnmates; an unknown number of Thai nationals were held at the Sam Khe Prison. The Phonthan and That Dam facilities were pre-trial interrogation and detention facilities for criminal and political suspects. The Phonthan and That Dam facilities were associated with the MOI's General Department for Counterintelligence (GDCI). Political counterreactionary, counterrevolutionary, economic security, sabotage, espionage, and national security-related cases were held at these facilities for interrogation, investigation, and further disposition. As ofhe Prisons Management Police Department hadeadquarters staff personnel; none reportedly had any extensive legal training or background.
fi. The Department alsorehabilitation"omplex in Keo Oudom District, Vientiane Province, at the Ham Hgum DamtBTfi ): Thao Island (male detaineesang Island (female detaineesetthakit, Nampho and Thong Islands. The island camp complex was built in It received its first groupnmatesho had been picked up in massive arrests in Vientiane. Thao Island, formerly known as Ling (Monkey) Island, heldAR captains and majors as of According to thessue of the "New Vientiane" daily, the islandcenters" were for drug addicts and for the rehabilitation of "victims of the old regime." Inhe second phase of mass arrests of undesirables in Vientiane began. Among those arrested were teachers, merchants, and foreign mission employees on CIA spy charges;
olitical prisoners were first held at the HOT's Central Sam Khe Prison before being transferred to the island camp complex for rehabilitation. According to the6 issue of tho "New Vientiane" daily,ersons had undergone reeducation at the island0 womenen). The paper notedenomen had requested to remain on the islands. -Byhe camp complex heldn Thao Islandn Nang Island. The camps were referred by the LPDR as being "drug rehabilitation"ear-old welfare official Sichan Sirivong" acted as deputy chairman of the committee running the islands.
Ashe island camp complex heldnmates in what the LPDR called "rehabilitation centers" and "reeducation centers for social evils." As ofhe, island camp complex heldnmates. The Thao 'Island Camp was commanded by MOI Lieutenant Colonel Inthong and his deputies. Major Bouathin and Captain Khamphct; the campale inmates. The Nang Island Camp was commandedemale named Khamtao, andemale inmates. The Setthakit Island Camp held aboutndividuals who had attempted to escape from the Thao and Nang Island Camps. The Nampho Island Camp was the largest;.itaximum security hard labor camp withetainees. The Thong Island Camp held several hundred male inmates who had been transferred from the Thao Island Camp. The LPDR claimed the camps only held common civil prisoners, drug addicts, prostitutes, gamblers,nd juvenile delinquents. The LPDR used the camps as model showcases for visiting foreigners. No foreign nationals were reported in detention on this island camp complex.
Inhe MOI completed constructionew central-level prison for political prisoners at Phonthan Village, Vientiane City; the prison was more commonly known as the Phonthan Prison. The Phonthan Prisonre-trial temporary detention facility, where criminal suspects were interrogated and investigated by the GDPP and where political suspects were interrogated and investigated by the GDCI. The Phonthan Prison consisted ofyeter concrete buildings with" corrogated metal roofs; each building had ten cells. No foreign nationals have been reported in detention at this prison.
9- The Reeducation or "Seminar" System of the LPDR dates back to5 when Pathet Lao security forces began taking
over power from Royal Lao Government (RLG) authorities. RLG civil officials and FAR officers were placed in political criminal categories and were sent to seminar camps for reeducation. Responsibilities for the seminar camps were shared by the LPDR MOI and by the LPDR Ministry of National Defense (MND). MND seminar camps were believed to be run by the MND Political Staff Department. eminar camps were renamed "production units" to avoid international condemnation. Inll MND seminar camps, also known as "production units" and as "constructionere turned over to the MOI GDPP's Prisons Management
offices of its pt_
Although the LPDR denied the existence of reeducation and seminareeducation camp system continued to exist,in Laos under the guise of "production" camps- The LPDR currently prefers to use the term "rehabilitation" when referring-to detention facilities. Although the total number of detainees is subject to debate, the following information was available on various types of detention facilities in Laos.
10. FAR field and general grade officers and RLG civil officials of equivalent rank were placedaximum security detention camp system in Houa Phan Province, near the Vietnamese border. The Houa Phan seminar camp system was initially established in5 with seven camps It was the worst camp system in Laos, and was more commonly known as the Vieng Sai or Sop Hao camp system. Detainees were categorized as dangerous and unlikely to be released. About one-third of all inmates reportedly died from malnutrition, starvation or were executed during the. After the MND turned over control of the camp, system to the MOI inhe camps were operated by the Houa Phan Province PSO, whichentral camp headquarters at Sop Pan villagender the commandOI lieutenant colonel. No foreign nationals were reported in detention in this camp system. Comments on this camp system are as follows:
A. Seminaras also known as the Sop Ka, Na Ka and "Soun Phiseth" (Special) Camp, and as the Sop Hao Prison.as located at Na Ka Neua Villagen the east side of the Nam Mo (Nam Ma) River across from Sop Hao villagealley aboutilometers from vieng Sai District Town. ecret political prison which heldao prisoners. as intended by the LPDR to be a
"death camp" with no survivors of reeducation. The campRoyal Lao family,enerals, andthor senior If inmates did not die from mulnutritionthey were executed. The deceased included: rown Prince VongsavonangKhampouirown Prince SisavangGenerals Bounpon Makthephalak; Major GeneralBrigadier Generals Kan Insixiengmai,Li Litthilusa, Lamngeun Phasavat;Saithavi, Touby Lyfoung, Khamchan Padid,Luang Prabang Province Governor ChaoLao Ambassador to China Balienof Religious Affairs Soukan vilaysan; and. Ministerand Telecommunications Toubi Li Foung. asin5 after the last two generals (notwere executed Ho
nationals were reported in detention in this camp.
B. Seminaras located at Nouei Nong Tao Villagen the west side of the Nam Mo River near the Houai Vong tributary, and was north of Camps of6eldao inmates. Of this number,ere residents of Vientiane'who were not allowed to mix with other inmates. Therisoners from Vientiane were charged with attempts tooup d'etatix received life sentences,eceivedear sentences, andeceivedoear sentences. An unknown number ofnmates were transferred ton No foreign nationals were reported in detention in this camp,
C- Seminaras initially locatedthe west side of the Nam Mo River near the Houai Vong tributaryt Houei Nong Tao Village. elocated by0 to Ban Sop Phanear Ban Loune villagen vieng Sai District. as situated on the northern bank of the Nam Pan River, west of its junction with the Ham Hao River, and was aboutilometers northeast of Sam Heua City. an along the extreme eastern side of the camp area. IneldAR and police majors and lieutenant colonels from FAR Military eceivedARajors and colonel who had been held in the Phong Saly Province camp system. as commanded by Khamang and his deputy Bounpheng, andman guard force. Inemporary holding camp for others in the Houa Phan seminar camp system who were being considered for release. Duringeriod,rew to
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inmates,ependents. As ofeldnmates who were being considered for release in Vientiane, and was reportedly closed down later {date unknown). No foreign nationals were reported in detention at
this camp.
as established in SeptemberheldAR and police majors to colonels,grade equivalent inmates, who had been categorizededucatees. Until6 the camp wasthe south sidef the Ham Mo River in Xiengonetween Muong Hang and Muongas relocatedew site at Ban HamKok Pho) Villagebout threeof Muong Et (Muong Het) Villagen theof the Nam Et (Nam Het) River, aboutilometersKho District Town. civilian grade equivalents were transferred to Camp.5. nmates were transferred to Camp 6- In4ere moved from their Ham Et River siteocationn the south side ofMo River on Route 6. The two camps were consolidated"Sawmill Production" Unit 6. Seminar Camp 4closed down with the merger. No foreignreported in detention at this camp.
as initially established inon the south sidef the Nam Sam River (VHfrom Sam Tai District Town, andin6atural cliff area near Banvillage. aximum security"incorrigible" hardliners, holdingAR andgeneral grade officers, and senior-leveland equivalent ranking officials. 6 senior ranking colonels, generals and ministersfromo Camp 1. eceived anof incorrigible "hardliners" from threein adjacent Phong Saly Province inamps were closed down in fear of Chinese attack. bouteneral grade officers andgrades were accused of plotting to overthrowand reportedly were later executed. amp 5as the Houay Ta-Ngeua Road Construction Unit. Aseldnmates who were assigned toconstruction gangs in Sara Tai District. asexistence as ofnd was later reportedly(date unknown). No foreign nationals wore reported _in
detention at this camp.
F. Seminaras established on$ about five kilometers west of Muong Et (Muong Het) Het Villagen the south side of the Nam Et (Nam Het) River between Muong Et Village and.Na Khara villagen Xieng Kho District. Routean through the camp.ad the distinction of having been originally used by the Pathet Laorisoner compound as early InAR and police field and general grade officers, and civilian grade equivalents (ministers and province chiefs) were detained at Camphere they were informed that they would not be eligible for release. Later, surviving detainees were categorized as "progressive" educatees. eceivednmates from Camp 4. hen heldnmates, including the FAR Supreme Commander,hief, the FAR Inspector General, and other FAR generals.
ocationn the south side of the Nam Mo River between Huang Horn and Huang Hang Villages on Routehere the two camps were consolidated and called'"Sawmill Production" Unit 6. Byas known as "Production Inmates were assigned to bridge and road construction ond repair, and timber-cutting crews. as still in existence as ofnd was later reportedly closed down (date unknown). No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
G. Seminaras located in an area)eters north ofn the east side of the Nam Ho River across from Sop Hao Township, Vieng Sai District. nmates waited six months to three years for trial which found them guilty and sentenced them to long terms of hard labor. The number of detainees at,,. ew detainees were released andew successfully escaped. Two or three prisoners died daily from starvation, disease or were executed. The dead included Lieutenant General Bounleut Sanichan; Brigadier Generals Nouphet Daoheuang, Atsaphangthong Pathammavong, Bounchan Savatphaiphan, Thongphan Khanoksi, Bounthieng venvongsot, Chao Sin Saisana, Rattanabanlang Chounlamonti; Colonels Amkha Khanthamisai, Phoo Phanthavong, Kavin Keonakonhammouk Pengsiaroonirector of Public Works
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Itsara Donsasourith. As ofeldnmates; inmates included FAR/RLG and LPDR militaryay be identical with the Thong Fek Prison which "was aboutilometers east of Sam Neua and whichre-trial sentencing facility. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
Pha Deng Campas located atDeng about two kilometers east of viengsai Saion the road to Nameo. The Phaeter area which was bordered byon oneeep valley on the otherwere kept in caves, and harsh conditions insideledumber of cases of insanity. As of earlyheld aboutAR/RLG survivors, who were scheduled Other FAR/RLG inmates had been moved to Seminar5 or 7. After the last survivors were releasedDeng Camp was convertedamp for LPDR personnel. nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
Vietnamese boat refugeeetention camp which heldwo blacks) as ofmall valleyLa La Hamlet was situated in Houa Phan Province.
11. Innder MOI direction, the Houa Phan Province Camp complex was consolidatedomposite seminar production battalion headquarters at the Sop Phan Camp near Na Luong village, Muang Poua Canton, Viengsey District. The composite battalion headquarters staff was commanded by MOI Lieutenant Colonel Maisin Misai (Maysingnd had four guard companies and two special independent platoons. Each guard company was responsible for the security of one camp.as unlocated. as colocated with the battalion headquarters and guardednmates who were involved in constructing agricultural settlements and roads.as located at Houay Ngum Village, Muang Hang Canton. Xieng Kho District, and guarded inmates who were involved in road construction in remote areas near the Vietnamese border. as located at Sop Long village, Muang Horn Canton, Xieng Kho District, and guarded inmates doing road and bridge repair. The 1st Special Platoon was located in the remote Lao Huong mountainous area, and the 2nd Special Platoon was colocated with the Viengsai District Military Headquarters, where inmates constructed and repaired buildings. Prison inmates of the Sop Hao camp system
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were assigned to two production groups which workedoad and bridge construction project at Sop Long village. an irrigation project at Houei Tao, andospital, school and residential construction project at Lao Houng Village- No foreign nationals were reported in detention at these camp sites.
As ofampas newly established in Houa Phan Province. It was located about one kilometer from Sam Ncun District Township, holdnmates, and was operated bythe Houa Phan Province PSOre-trial temporary- detention facility. The camp was constructed of amboo and had more thanuildings to house inmates and guards. The camp was surrounded by three barbed wire fences, and was divided into light, medium and heavy security areas. Inmates included former RLG officials, and LPDR political prisoners and civil criminals. The campraan guard force. As ofampeld only civil criminals and LPDR officials on various charges; no RLG inmates were detained there. No foreign nationals were reported in detention et this camp.
Phong Saly Provinceeminar camp complex betweenS andhich heldLG/FAR inmates and about an equal number of family dependents in one of five seminar camps. Each campO-man staff,man guard force. Bynlyxisted in Phong Saly Province withAR enlisted and NCO detainees. No foreign nationals were reported in detention in the Phong Saly Province camp system, which had consisted of Seminarhrough 5.
A. Seminar Camplso known as the Thong Nam Noi and the Muang Khoua Seminar Camp, was established in August5 along Routeear Sop Kai village, about ten kilometers southwest of Muang Khoua District Town. The camp was located on the east aide of Routet Kilometerpossiblylong the Pak River. Initial inmates includedLG police and FAR lieutenants and captains. Inmates were allowed to be accompanied by dependents to discourage escape attempts. Innmates were moved to 'the Pak Nam Noi Campnd to Muang Yo Seminar Camp 4. InAR enlisted and NCO personnel from.ere moved to Camp 1. Inll remaining officer inmates (number unknown) were transferred to the Pak Beng Campn Oudomsai Province and then to the Pak Xuang Campboutilometersf
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Luang Prabang Township. From Pak Xuang, they were flown in7ircraft to the Phonsavan Campn Xieng Khoang Province, Seponc in Savannakhet Province, and Attopeu Province, where they were placed in southern seminar camps. They were replaced atAR enlisted and NCO .inmates with dependents from Camp 2. InAR enlisted and NCO inmates with dependents fromere transferred to Camp 1. Inmates were used duringeriod toaterite road (Provincialrom Nam Noi to Huang Yo Village in Boun Neua District. as closed down sometime No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
B. Seminar Camplso known as the Muang Mai Districteminar Camp, was located near the SRV border aboutilometers northeast of Muang Khoua District Town on the north side of Routeear the Nam NouaeldLG/FAR inmates and dependents. All were FAR and RLG police enlisted and NCO personnel from Louang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Sayaboury Provinces. Inmates were used on road construction work. Innmates were transferred to Muang Khoua Seminar Campeplacing junior grade officers who were moved to Muang Yo Seminar Campndnmates were movedewite at Pak Nam Noi. nlisted and NCOnlisted and NCO inmates were transferred to Muang Yo Seminar Camp 4. Inmates were used duringeriod toaterite road (Provincialrom Nam Noi to Muang Yo. as closed down sometime No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
C- Seminar Camplso known as the Boun Neua Camp, was located about five kilometers south of Boun Neua Townshipetween Routend the Nam Roun River. nitially0 from Vientianerom Luang Prabangll were former RLG politicians and national assemblymen; aboutnmates died at Camp 3. Inll remaining inmates were transferred to the Houa Phan Province seminar camp system, andas closed. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
D. Seminar Camplso known as the Muang Yo Seminar Camp. was located atuang Yo village, Boun Neua District, and heldARLuang Prabang) field grade officers. InAR junior grade officers were transferred fromo
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Camp 4. Inll field grade officers were transferred to the Houa Phan Province seminar camp system. All junior grade officers were gradually transferred to the'Pak Beng Campn Oudorasai Province and then to the Pak Xuang Campboutilometers northwest of Luang Prabang Township. From Pak Xuang, the inmates were Clown in7ircraft to Phonsavann Xieng Khoang Province, Sepone in Savannakhet Province, and Attopeu Province. They were replaced byAR enlisted and NCO inmates from Camp 2. Inmates were used duringeriod toaterite road (Provincialrom Nam Noi to Muang Yo. as closed down No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
E. Seminaras located at Bouam Phan village, Khao Cantonn Muang Khoua District. As ofeldnmates fromho had not been released. Inmates were used duringeriod inmates toaterite road (Provincialrom Nam Noi to Muang Yo. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
14. The Xieng Khoang Province seminar camp system detainedetainees as Each camproan staff,man guard force. The Nachong Seminar Camp also known as Seminar, was established in June or5 and was located near the Napa River; itaximum security camp. Seminar} was located about three kilometers north of the Nachong Camp; it heldnmates (not includingnmates died in tho camp. Beginning ineminarnmates wereSeminaror production work. Seminaras located atnd detainedrisoners. eminarnmates were relocated to the Ban Hou areabout two kilometers fromhere it had7 The Longkai Seminar Camp was located near Ban Ban. It had seven subcamps designated CI through C7 along the Nam Mat River. Seminaras located on the bank of the Napaew kilometers from its junction with the Nam Ha River, withad been transferred from the closed down Camp 4. Seminaras unlocated withetainees. Seminarndnmates were assigned to Construction (Seminar), which were involved in the reconstruction of the Thong Hai Hinirfield; each battalion hadnmates. The Bansone
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Seminar Camp) Mas located about three kilometers frometween Phonsavan and Hong Pett held LPDR inmates who had been transferred from Subcampf the Longkai Seminar Camp. The Nong Het Seminar Camp) held aboutormer Royal Lao Air Force officers through the rank of captain. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at any of these camps.
Phonsavan Campasear Lee VillageorAir Force personnel (privates through captain) and and was also known asnd Seminarinnmates were gradually released. aboutnmates of tho Houa Phancamp complex had been transferred to thewhere they were grouped for onward movement torelease. No foreign prisoners were reported inthis camp.
avereported as Construction Battalions; each had about as located at deserted Phalongn Pek "District; mostFAR MilitaryVientiane) personnel who hadat the Vang Vieng Camp. nmates wereRoute 7 road and bridge repair and construction. Campcommanded by Major Bounli, had four companiesman guard force. Inmates who were too oldfor hard labor were sent to Hat Villagenmates raised vegetables and livestock. were sent to the Phonsavan-Longkai Prison (UGprisoners in poor health were released. Inompanies were sent in rotation to help buildArmed Forces School at Paen, Pek District. as relocated to the Paen area, nmates. as located at Ban Nam Khaonear the end of the Thong Hai Hin Airfield; it hadincluding dependent family members as Seminar Battalion was located about four kilometersPhonsavan. as located near Xiang Houng (TGhadnmates including dependents. TheBattalion was located at Nam Chat, andin the construction of the Lao Armed Forcesat Paen Village. No foreign prisonersin detention at any of these camps.
ofth Seminar Battalion
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nmates wasew runway to handleat the Thong Hai Hin Airfieldnderofoviet engineers. th andBattalions, composednmates each, werein the construction. Each of the threeaugmented byependent females. About(inmates and dependents) were involved in Airfield construction also includedermanent buildings, including 42 Construction began inndto be completed Two radar stationsone at Phou Rang Mountainnd one at. Another radar station had previouslyin an area near Bam Gnouan. Alland heavy equipment were provided by the Soviets. nationals were reported in detention at any of-
D. One Lao resistance member, whose reliability provided information about.amp in early6 at
near VoctPi Village ( ).
15. Vientiane Province had several detention and seminar facilities. The Vang Mieng Seminar Camp was established between February andnd was located at Vang Mieng Village, and heldLG/FAR detainees in The Ban Thangon Seminar Camp was located aboutilometers north of Vientiane City, and held minor political offenders and NCO's who were sentencedaximum of three years of imprisonment. The Sammune Muang Fenang Seminar Campeld FAR company grade officers and NCO's untilhen the camp was moved to Muang Heuangn Boiikhamsai Province. As ofhe Don Pho Seminar Camp was in the area of5 near the Nam Ngum Dam Reservoir and held FAR NCO's and low level political prisoners. The Thongkheng Seminar Camp was in the area of9 aboutilometers north of Vientiane City. As ofeminar laborers were assigned to constructions units at the Basic Joint Operations School at the Dan Mouang Camp, Phon Hong District, and to LPAF Sawmill Enterpriset Ban Keun Villagehoulakhom District. eminar laborers were assigned tond Engineering Battalion which wasoint Operations School at the Dan Mouang Camp. As ofhe MND General Logistics Department's Camp Barracks Department usedeminar personnel who were assignedransportationrick kiln, two _
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sawmills, and three construction enterprises. eleased seminar inmates were assigned to Production Unithich had four sub-units. ished at the NamNgura Dam;red fish;as tasked with animal husbandry; andultivated flowers and industrial plants. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at any of these camps.
16- Boiikhamsai Province had an unknown number of detention and seminar camps. Inhe Vientiane Province Sammune Muang Fenang Campoved to Muang Hcuangn Boiikhamsai Province with an unknown number of FAR company grade officer inmates. As of thes,eleased FAR seminar inmates were assigned to Productionn Paksane District. Productionuilt roads, bridges, buildings, and cleared wood from the junction oft Paksane tot Thong Phan Kham. No foreign nationals were reportedetention at any of these camps.
Luong Namtha and Sayaboury Province had an unknown number of detention facilities and no known seminar camps. Several hundred former RLG civil servants and FAR personnel from these two provinces were initially sent to the Pak Beng Seminar Camp, Oudomsai Province, in The Pak Beng Campemporary holding facility for RLG and FAR personnel. FAR personnel were sent to the Nam Bac Seminar Campn Luang Prabang Province before being further transferred to the Phong Saly Province Seminar Camp system. InAR junior grade officers in the Phong Saly Province Seminar Camp system were gradually transfered to the Pak Beng Camp and then to the Pak Xuang Campboutilometers northwest of Luang Prabang Township. From Pak Xuang, the inmates were flown in7ircraft to Phonsavann Xieng Khoang Province, Sepone in Savannakhet Province, and Attopeu Province- The Oudomsai Province camp (not further identified) was closed innd all inmates (mostly FARere transferred to an unknown camp in Xieng Khouang Province. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at these camps.
Luang Prabang Province had several detention and seminar camps. 5here were two main seminar camps, two smaller ones,ail in Muang Ngoi District Town. All were located along the Nam Ou River or along its tributaries. The two main seminar camps were Hatchan
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(THnd Nam Bac, which was across the Nam Bak River from Ban Nakhon Village.AR NCO's were transferred from Luang Prabang Province to the Nakay Seminar Camp in Rhammouan Province, and several hundred FARCO's were held at the Nam Bac Camp. Most NCO's were usually released after two to four years of. imprisonment. Comments are available on the following camps:
Ban Katchan Seminar Campin5 for RLG civil servants fromXieng Khouang and Sayaboury Provinces. Thewas located south of Muang Ngoi District Town in aby the Phaboun and Phapae Mountains along the Namit was bordered on the south by the Nam Kong Riverthe north by the Nam Ngoi River. The Hatchannmates plus 3S0 dependents. Inmates wereafter two to four years of imprisonment. TheSeminar Center was noted in thend was closed down0 afterwere transferred to seminar camps in Xieng KhouangProvinces. No foreign nationals were reportedinmates in detention at this camp.
Nam Bac Seminar Camp5 for FAR personnel, and was also known as(Nam Bac) District Seminar Camp, in Luang FARfficers were initially held atARield grade officersto Phong Saly Province Seminar Camp 4. captains were also sent Phong Saly Province Seminar CampNCO's were sent to Phong Saly Province Seminar Camp 2. Bac Seminar Center was noted in the overt The Nam Bac Camp held several hundred NCO'sfew officers until it was closed down0 afterwere transferred to seminar camps in Xieng KhouangProvinces. No foreign nationals were reportedinmates in detention at this camp. However,whose reliability was undetermined, about. POW's who were held at the Namafter being captured there during the war years; fivewere reportedly moved to the USSR5 and sevenstill kept at the Nam Bac Camp as oflleged former Armed Forces of the Republic of POW's.
C- The Ban Hatxao Seminar Camp or Jail6 or TH
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) was located on the bank of the Nam Ngu River, and held aboutLG civil servants. Inan Katxao Camp inmates were moved to the Ban Pakchim Seminar) and were gradually released after about four years of imprisonment. The-Ban Hatxao Camp heldrisoners as of No foreign nationals were reported in detention at this camp.
Ban Namo Campeld aboutLao resistance members as of Nowere reported in detention at this camp.
small seminar camps (Nos.ocatedridge over the Nam Bak Riverjunction of the Nam Bak and Houei Ngeu Rivers, and No foreign nationals were reported in detentiontwo*.
camp for returning Lao refugeesilometers northeast of Luang Prabang TownshipNam Ai River. Another camp for returning Lao refugeesin the Ban Gnhok Van area. Nowere reported in detention at' these camps.
individual, whose reliabilityprovided information about having seenin leg irons, who had been captured beforethe main roadilomters east of Huang Ngoiin This person also providedofetention campDon Laen Muang Ngoi District, which heldand four female Americansave guarded byArmed Forces of Vietnam (PAVN) andPAFcave camp was called the Widow's Cave (Tham Maethan this, no foreign nationals were reportedat any camp in the province by former inmates.
20. In Kharomouan Province, the camp system heldLG and FAR inmates as of includingAR and police officers. ield grade officers were sent to the Sepone Seminar Camp in Savannakhet Province. AboutLG police enlisted and NCO personnel, and second lieutenants were sent to the Phonkhen Seminar Campnhere they were assigned to agricultural and road repair tasks on Route 8. In3 surviving inmates were relocated to the Thoen Douan (Theun Douan) aka
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Nakay Seminar Camp , Gnomraalat District, where it was also known ash Production Group. CO's were transferred from Luang Prabang Province to the Nakay Camp As ofhe Nakay Camp heldnlisted and officer personnel through captain rank from Khammouan and Savannakhet Provinces. Inmates were assigned to one of six production battalions underh Production Group. Inmates performed hard labor, clearing'forests, cultivating rice paddy fields, and repairing roads. Dependents began joining the inmates As ofnmates at the Nb Kai province campere used as the labor force for State Forestry Enterprisesnd 5. Theh Production) hadnmates who performed road construction and repair work on Routeetween Gnomraalat District and Thakhek District Town. The Nadenlso known ash Production Group, was relocated0 to new quartersilometers east "'of Ban Naden between Routend the Xe Bang Fai River. Aboutercent of all inmates in the Khammouan Province camp system either died or escaped. As ofhe camp system heldnmates and dependents who were assigned to one ofman companies. Although no foreign nationals were reported by former inmates in detentiori at any of these camps, Lao resistance members claimed to have information on. POW's in various areas of Khammouan Province as follows:
Lao resistance member, whose reliabilityprovided information about. POW's atPrison in Khammouan Province as of report also noted that the Lao resistance memberinformation from an escaped inmate who. POW's at this prison during the
Lao resistance member, whoseundetermined, provided information abouteldetention camp near Phahoi village (possiblywhich was about two kilometers southwest ofndf Hahaxai District Town.
same Lao resistance member hadto have information on. POw who wasand guarded by villagers at Napeng Village (WECanton, Boualapha
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District, in The subsource for this Lao resistance member was also debriefed and claimed that. POW was being held by Napeng villagers as of
In Savannakhet Province,eminar camp inmates <with dependents) from the ranks of sergeant to major were assigned to five road construction and two bridge construction units alongrom Xa Thamouak, Phin District, Savannakhet Province, east to the Vietnamese border, and west to--Phalane Canton, Atsaphangthong District, Savannakhet Province. Production work camps were located near Xa Thamouak, Sepone, Senkua Toulouang, Lako, and Ban Buk- Inll FAR personnel in FAR Militaryere ordered to report for indoctrination training. ARfficers from the ranks of major to colonel were -held at the Fa Ngum) in Savannakhet Cityne-month preliminary seminar before being sent in mid-August and5 to the Sepone Seminar Camp7 aircraft. Twelve senior officers, including Brigadier General Nouphet Daoheuang (FARolice Colonels Chanpheng Phetsomphou and sisouvan. Colonels Soulang Phetsomphou and Kamko, and Lieutenant Colonel Sivisai, were transferred to the Houa Phan Province seminar camp complex. ajors to colonels were sent to the Sepone Seminar Camp, which heldnmates and dependent families. Byhe Sepone Seminar Camp was closed down because of repeated escape attempts. epone Seminar Camp inmates were transferred to the Senkua Tonglouang Seminar Campear Ban Senkua, aboutilometers northwest of Sepone near the Nambok/Nam Xe Kok River. The Senkua Seminar Camp heldnmates and dependent families. Again, because of repeated escape attempts,urviving inmates of the Senkua Seminar Camp were relocated in9 to the Lako Seminar Camp, also known as the vinko Camp, about seven kilometers from the Vietnamese border. Duringboutako Seminar Camp inmates were relocated to the Ban Buk (Ban But) Seminar Camp. The Ban Buk-Seminar Campas located aboutilometers south of the Lako Seminar Camp, and was about five kilometers from the Vietnamese border. As ofhere were onlynmates and one family left at the Ban Buk Camp. Other inmates either had died, were shot attempting to escape, or had been transferred
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to the district jail for disciplinary action. Camp officials never spoke of release, and it appeared that the policy was to let the inmates gradually die off. The Ban Phabang Seminar) heldlderly and retired RLG civil servants and FAR personnel with dependents who had been transfered from camps at Ban Kengkhan and Ban Xiengnmates did agriculture and husbandry work. The Ban Dong SeminarE) initially heldfficers through captain rank, and by4 heldurviving inmates. The Ban Dong Camp was located aboutilometers east of -Sepone District Township along Route 9. The Savannakhet Province Public Security Office (PSO) administered the Kaeng Khan Prisonn Sepone District, which heldnmates in harsh conditions; aboutnmates were held in solitary confinement on espionage charges. Although no foreign nationals were reported by former inmates in detention at any of these camps, Lao resistance members claimed to have information on. POW's in various areas of Savannakhet Province as follows:
Lao resistance member, whose reliabilityprovided information aboutive Americana site near PPtTp) uang Angkham"(
Lao resistance member (see paragraphwho was determined to be deliberatelyhe had heard from others of seven Americansetention camp in Savannakhet Province aboutnorth of Sepone District Townndkilometers northeast of Phabang Mountain. were held at this camp, while four otherbeen movedamp at Ta-Oy (Ta-Oi) DistrictProvince. This person also claimedon two Americans being heldetention camp(Samouai) District, Savannakhet Province, aboutfrom the Vietnamese border in an area withas Lako. After found to bethis person attempted to change his storyhearsay information, claiming that American POW'sheld in Sepone Districtnd had been movedDakchung in Sekong Province (formerly part ofor Tady in Saravane Province, or Lamam in
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22. The Saravane Province seminar camp system existed between5 and at InLG police and FAR Militaryfficers and NCO's were initially concentratedemporary seminar camp at the Saravane Town Airfield. All were moved to the Ban Bung -ham Seminar Campn Infficers were flown7 aircraft from Luang Prabang Province to the Pakse Airfield, Champassak Province, where they were then taken by truck and on foot to the Dakchung Seminar Camp1 orear the Vietnamese border. As all seminar camps in Saravane Province, became known as "production" camps. Inhe Dakchung Camp was closed down; half of the inmates were sent to Attopeu Province and half were reportedly sent to an unlocated camp inLG police and FARCO's had been assigned to agricultural and road repair "production" units in the Thatengrea of Saravane Province and in the Paksongrea of Champassak Province. Saravane Province was later split in two with the eastern half being currently known as Sekong Province. Sekong Province includes the areas of the Dakchung and Thateng camps. Although no foreign nationals were reported by former inmates in detention at any of these camps, Lao resistance members claimed to have'information on. POW's in various areas of Saravane province as follows:
Lao resistance member, whose reliabilityprovided information about. POW's atCamp in
Lao resistance member, who wasto be deliberately fabricating, claimed toabout American POW Eugene DeBruin in the( ) in
Lao resistance member (see paragraphwho was later determined to beclaimed he had heard from others ofheld in6etention camp inaboutilometers north of Sepone District Townand about ten kilometers northeast of Three Americans were held at this camp, whileAmerican's had been movedamp atn Saravane
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Province. After found to be deliberately fabricating, this person attempted to change his story by claiming he had heard from others that American POW's had been held in SeponeDistrict of Savannakhet Provincend had been moved to either Dakchung in Sekong Province (formerly part of Sarayaner Tady in Saravane Province, or Lamam in Saravane Province.
D. Another individual, whose reliability was undetermined, provided hearsay information on sightings of American POW's in Saravane Province, two live Americansetention camp in Ta-Oy (To-Oi) Districtf Saravane Provincend on six Americans being held in Hue, Vietnam.
23. The Attopeu Province "seminar" system heldnmates as of6 who were detained inth "Seminar" Battalions- An unknown number of inmates were detained atst "Seminar" Battalion which is unlocated in Attopeu Province. The camp system was established inS for the detention of FAR Militaryivilian and military personnel. No foreign nationals were reported in detention in this camp system. Comments are as follows:
d Seminar Battalion wasn Attopeu Province at the Houai Phok Camp (YBconsisted of four seminar companies in subcamps ofdetainees each. InARegionfrom second lieutenant to colonel rankat the Teacher's College atwbof Pakse District Town, Champassak Province,indoctrination. Upon registration, about lieutenant colonels, and colonels were flownAttopeunn unknown numberofficers were later transferred to the Houa Phancamp system. Afterne-month course,lieutents and captains detainees werehrough 4. Onheand 3rd Seminar Companies were flown7 aircraftto the Attopeu Airport. The 4th Seminar Company ofwas sent to Samakkhisai (Attopeu) District No foreign nationals were reported in detention atthese sites.
the first three months in Attopeu Province,
aboutfficers tried to escape; all were captured and executed. The 1st Seminar Company of junior grade officers was located at the base of the Phou Saphong Mountain and the Nam Xe Kong River, Saisettha District; the 2nd Seminar Companyieutenants and captains was at Houai Phok, Saisettha District; the 3rd Seminar Companyieutenants and captains was at Ban Bung along the Nam Xe Kong River, Saisettha District. Inhe 3rd Seminar Company was relocated to Ban Hatlianghere it received inmates from the dissolved 4th Seminar Company which had been located at Ban Horn. he 1st Seminar Company was relocated across from the Attopeu Province Military Command and the 2nd Seminar Company was relocated to Ban Kengpok. Innmates from thed and 3rd Seminar Companies were assignedoad construction unit whichwelve kilometer section of the road to Ban Fangdeng. The 2nd Seminar Company was located opposite Fangdeng Village atoved7 to Houei Pok Villageo work onnd worked on an airstrip at The 2nd Seminar Companynmates plus dependents and was still located near Fangdeng Village in No foreign nationals were reported in detention at any camp sites.
roupLG policeofficers, students and air force pilots were movedin northern Laos (Phong Saly, Xieng Khoang,Oudomsai) and from the Sam Khe Prison in Vientianeunknown location in Sansai District,ttopeu Township near the SRV border- This group wasSeminar Battalion. Cheooungerthe Lao King, was killed at the Attopeu Camp in Marchwas buriedemetery for seminar inmates nearAirport. thwithnmates was relocated to thenear the Vietnamese border. Inmates performed hardroad and bridge construction crews. No foreignreported in detention at any of these camp sites.
he Attopeu Province Seminar Campreorganized- an production group was formedfromthnd Seminar Battalions. nd Seminar Battalion heldLGFAR inmates, andth Seminar Battalion had about The 1st Company was relocated to the formerheadquarters in Attopeu Township where it was known"municipal constructionhe 2nd Company was _
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relocated from the Houai Phok) to the Ban Horn Camp; and the 3rd Company was relocated from Ban Hat Liang Villageo the Attopeu Airportnmates grew crops, cut timber, built housing, and did road construction and repair work. The 4th Company was reformed with inmates fromth Seminar Battalion, and was colocated with the 1st Company. As ofnd Seminar Battalion still heldnmates with no plans for release. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at any camp sites.
E. The Attopeu Province Public Security Office Prisonroan guard force and held aboutrisoners in three cells. One cell held civil criminals, another held seminarcamp inmates, and the third cellix of civil prisoners and reeducatees. The Attopeu Province Public Security Office also had another prisonn Sansai District near the -Tri-border area of Laos-Cambodia-Vietnam. The Sansai District Prison, which alsoman staff, heldLG police and FAR officials and former ethnic Lao local USAID employees under maximum security detention until1 whenurvivors were transferred to the Attopeu Prison. No foreign nationals were reported in detention in these facilities.
23. In the case of Champassak Province,ilitary and police NCO's from FARere assigned tocamps which performed agriculture and road repair work in the Paksongrea, Champassak Province. Otherwise, no permanent seminar camps were reported in this province, because of its immediate proximity to the Thai
border. hampassak Province authorrtres
amp for returning Lao refugees at Nongsip village, Bachiang Chaleunsouk District. MOI1tipulated that Lao residents with homes in Champassak, Saravane, Attopeu or Sekong Provinces would be concentrated at this camp. No foreign nationals were reported in detention at these camps.
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Original document.
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