908 Chapter 6
which was not yet under Pathet Lao administration, banned Thai newspapers for pub-
lishing “inexact and misleading reports.” Laos also announced that it considered its
diplomatic relations with South Korea to be severed.
A bomb detonated in a crowded marketplace in Vietnaine in early August. The
government blamed “ultra-rightists now hiding in Thailand.” On August 5, Laos
arrested two Thai military attaches and a Thai military mechanic for espionage.
Thailand protested and expelled two Lao diplomats, and on August 11, Thailand
threatened to recall its ambassador. Laos also accused Thailand and the United
States of violating Lao airspace and of bombing and strafing a hamlet.
On August 15, Laos released the Thai attachés. On August 22, Laos sealed the
borders, closed the airports, and ended international communications, and on the
following day they moved into their last province, Vientaine. Several militarized
incidents took place between Laos and Thailand in October. Laos demanded
the return of Laotians who had fled to Thailand as well as military equipment
that had crossed the border into Thailand. On November 17 and 18, Thai and
Laotian forces clashed on the Mekong River near Vientiane. Thailand accused
Laos of starting the fight by shelling a Thai river patrol boat. Thailand responded
by recalling its ambassador from Laos, closing the border at three districts in
Nongkhai, and sending troop reinforcements to the area. Laos accused Thailand
of instigation; the Laotians said Thai warships shelled the Lao side of the river.
One Thai sailor died in the exchange. On December 3, Pathet Lao abolished the
coalition government and announced the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.
A week later Thailand extended diplomatic recognition to the new regime, and on
December 30, Thailand reopened the border.
Coding changes: End Date changed from November 16, 1975. Fatalities changed
from Missing.
MID#3003
Dispute Number: 3003
Date(s): December 13, 1978 to January 24, 1979
Participants: 812 Laos/800 Thailand
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Laotian forces seized three Thai fishermen. Laotian soldiers then crossed
the border into Thailand and clashed with three Thai policemen. Two of the policemen
were killed and dragged into Laos, while the third was able to escape. The Thai police
sent units to pursue the Lao soldiers.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from December 14, 1978. Fatalities changed
from Missing.
MID#3114
Dispute Number: 3114
Date(s): June 15, 1980