“Boy soldier” 
———————————

I went to school until 1972. At that time our country was at war and we were fleeing places. When the elders took us to the town of Mouang Cha, I was in 6th grade. When we lived there, the government came to recruit soldiers. The fighting was intense and heavy in Laos. There weren’t enough soldiers. The government came to speak with my dad. Our side of the family had 5 or 6 families only. A battalion commander from Moung Cha outpost came to speak with my dad. 

I was still young at that time, and I’m of smaller stature. It was Commander Chia Sher Kue and Commander Waseng Khang who came [to recruit more men]. My dad said, ‘My child is still small. But since you’re here, we will help you guys and the country. My child is still small, but I’ll let him go train with you guys, but I will not let him leave for military duties yet. There are two uncles and one older brother.’ The four of us then left. 

They sent us to Phitsanulok, Thailand. When we arrived, some trained to become medics… Commander Waseng Khang sent me to study military medics. I remember that [CIA case officers] Jerry Daniels and Tony said to Commander Waseng, ‘He’s so small, if you send him to train, will he be able to do the work?’ Commander Waseng Khang replied, ‘He will grow up.’ They looked at me, but didn’t respond and left.