Thailand-Laos Border War

1987-1988

 

Brief Summary

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Name of Conflict | Belligerents | Conflict Dates | Conflict Type | Related Conflicts | Causes | Description | Consequences | Casualties | Unique Facts or Trends | Sources | Links

 

ALTERNATE NAMES FOR CONFLICT:

Thailand

vs.

Laos 

BEGAN: December, 1987

ENDED: February 19, 1988

PREDECESSOR: (Related conflicts that occurred before)

Thai-Laotian Border Clashes (1980)

Thai-Laotian Border Clashes (1984)

CONCURRENT: (Related conflicts occurring at the same time)

SUCCESSOR: (Related conflicts that occur later)

In 1907, France (the colonial ruler of Laos), and Thailand (then known as Siam), signed a border treaty which later caused a dispute over the ownership of some border villages. Shooting broke out in 1984 over possession of three villages. Another cause of tension between the two Southeast Asian neighbors was the ongoing Hmong Rebellion in Laos. The rebels used bases in Thailand and often crossed the border to attack the Communist Laotian government.

It should also be noted that Thailand enjoyed an alliance with the United States, while Laos was a close ally of Communist Vietnam and the Soviet Union. These types of connections tended to make neighborly relations hostile in the tense atmosphere of the Cold War.

 

Fighting broke out in December of 1987 in a dispute over land claimed by Laos, which considered the territory as part of the Laotian Botèn District in Xaignabouri and by Thailand as part of Chat Trakan District in Phitsanulok Province.

Over 1,000 troops died before a cease-fire was put in place.

 

Following the cease-fire in 1988, the two nations developed improved relations and increased trade.

Total Casualties: Approximately 1,000 for both sides

Library of Congress Country Study : Laos