A final offensive was launched by Pathet Lao forces supported by the North Vietnamese Army in April 1975 that resulted in the proclamation of the People's Republic of Laos on 2 December 1975.
The U.S. pulled out of Laos in 1973, as stipulated by the Paris Peace Accords. Thailand likewise began to withdraw its troops from Laos following the signing of the Paris Accords.[1] North Vietnam was not required to remove its forces under the terms of the treaty.
The national government was forced to accept the Pathet Lao into the government. During 1974 and 1975 the balance of power in Laos shifted steadily in favour of the Pathēt Lao as the U.S. disengaged itself from Indochina. Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma was tired and demoralised, and following a heart attack in mid-1974 he spent some months recuperating in France, after which he announced that he would retire from politics following the elections scheduled for early 1976.
The anti-communist forces were thus leaderless, and also divided and deeply mired in corruption. Souphanouvong, by contrast, was confident and a master political tactician, and had behind him the disciplined cadres of the communist party and the Pathēt Lao forces and the North Vietnamese army. The end of American aid also meant the mass demobilization of most of the non-Pathēt Lao military forces in the country. The Pathēt Lao on the other hand continued to be both funded and equipped by North Vietnam.
In May 1974 Souphanouvong put forward an 18-point plan for "National Reconstruction", which was unanimously adopted– a sign of his increasing dominance. The plan was mostly uncontroversial, with renewed promises of free elections, democratic rights and respect for religion, as well as constructive economic policies. But press censorship was introduced in the name of "national unity", making it more difficult for non-communist forces to organise politically in response to the creeping Pathēt Lao takeover. In January 1975 all public meetings and demonstrations were banned. Recognising the trend of events, influential business and political figures began to move their assets, and in some cases themselves, to Thailand, France or the U.S.
Beginning of the offensive
Advance on Vientiane
On 14 April heavy fighting erupted near Sala Phou Khoun with Vientiane side sending four 105mm howitzers and one divisions to counter communist advances.[2]
On 23 April Pathet Lao captured the strategic junction at Sala Phou Khoun after four days of fighting, with right-wing claiming that two of their fighters were killed and four injured.[3]
On 26 April rightists were reportedly pushed out of Phouphanang, Dane Soung and Na Hnang.[4]
On 7 May Pathet Lao troops supported by tanks and artillery captured two outposts north of Muang Kasi.[5] A day later they captured Muang Kasi after 10 minutes of fighting.[6] On 9 May five rigt-wing ministers resigned from the government including the Defense Minister, Sisouk na Champassak, and Finance Minister Ngon Sananikone; Khamphai Abphay, Minister of Public Health; Tianethone Chantharasy, the Deputy Foreign Minister, and Houmphanh Saignasith, the Deputy Minister of Public Works.[7] On 14 May troops in Vang Vieng revolted and joined communists. Meanwhile the Lao Air Force was grounded by the new communist defence minister.[8]
Fall of Vientiane
On 21 May protesters occupied and looted the USAID compound in Vientiane demanding all employees to leave. Meanwhile Pathet Lao security guards were preventing American families from the military base neighborhood.[9] On 28 May it was reported that Pathet Lao deployed a number of 23mm and 37mm anti-aircraft guns on the runaway of the Wattay International Airport.[10]
On 20 June Pathet Lao captured Tha Deua port, followed by the Xaythany district north of Vientiane on 26 June.[11] On 23 August 1975, a contingent of 50 Pathet Lao women symbolically liberated the city. On 2 December, the day after the Pathet Lao-organized National Conference of People's Representatives voted to immediate abolition of the monarchy (on 1 December), King Savang Vatthana agreed to abdicate and Souvanna Phouma resigned. The Lao People's Democratic Republic was proclaimed, with Souphanouvong as President. Kaysone Phomvihane emerged from the shadows to become Prime Minister and the real ruler of the country.[12]
Fall of Northern Laos
On 28 May[13] or 3 June[11] Pathet Lao troops entered Sainyabuli, followed by Luang Prabang (9 June) and Houayxay (14 June).[14] On 20 June locals in Pak Lay and Borikham revolted against the government and set up a new left-wing administration.[15]
On 1 June the anti-communist base in Kong My surrendered to communists.[19]
Offensive against Hmong strongholds
The U.S. evacuated circa 1,000-3,000 of circa 10,000+ Hmong from Long Tieng, Laos, to Namphong, Thailand, 12-14 May 1975
On 14 May communists overran CIA-backed base at Long Tieng which housed Hmong guerillas fighting against Pathet Lao.[20] On 18 May Hmong bases at Sam Thong and Bouamlong fell without any significant fighting.[21] Six days later it was reported that around 50,000 Hmong people, some of them armed, have gathered in their former base of Ban Xon attempting to follow their leader and flee to Thailand.[22]
On 29 May 1975, about 10,000 Hmong people, attempted to cross Hin Heup bridge traveling to Vientiane. As the group crossed the bridge Pathet Lao forces open fire on the column using mortars, M16s, and bayonets. Many people jumped into the river to flee the firing troops, by the end of the massacre 14 civilians were killed and over 100 wounded.[23][24]
Refugee crisis
What nobody had anticipated was how tens of thousands of Hmong, left behind in Long Tieng and Laos, would follow Vang Pao and other Hmong leaders to Thailand. By the end of 1975, about 40,000 Hmong had succeeded to reaching Thailand, traveling on foot through the mountains and floating across the Mekong River.[25] How many died or were killed in their attempt to escape Laos is not known, but the flight of Hmong and other Laotian highland peoples into Thailand would continue for many more years. They faced repression at home from the communist government for their collaboration with the Americans. Most of the Hmong in Thailand would eventually be resettled in the United States and other countries. Between 1975 and 1982, 53,700 Hmong and other highland Laotian refugees were resettled in the United States and thousands more in other countries.[26]
About 90 percent of Laos's intellectuals, technicians, and officials left Laos following the communist takeover. Many of the professional and intellectual class, who had initially been willing to work for the new regime, changed their minds and left; a much easier thing to do from Laos than from either Vietnam or Cambodia. In proportional terms, Laos experienced the largest refugee flight of the Indochinese nations, with a full 10% of the population – 300,000 people out of a total of 3 million – crossing the border into Thailand.[27]
Evacuation of right-wing officials
In May 1975 multiple important figure in the government fled the country to Thailand in the face of communist offensive, including chief of staff Oudone Sananikone, major general Kouprasith Abhay,[28] commander of the south Souchay Vongsavan,[29] and prince of Champassak Boun Oum. General Vang Pao together with his wife May Song Vang were evacuated to Thailand shortly before the fall of Long Tieng.[30]
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