Lieutenant Colonel Đỗ Xuân Hưng, head of the Internal Security Division of the Gia Lai Provincial Police, said the unit had worked with relevant agencies to persuade and receive the individuals, who have now reunited with their families.
The nine people, belonging to four households in Phú Thiện, Ia Grai and Ia Ko communes, left Vietnam after being influenced by what police described as “reactionary elements” and “illusions” of a more prosperous life abroad. One of those who returned is wanted in Vietnam for forest destruction.
According to authorities, the group had hoped to reach a third country but faced severe hardship during their time in Thailand. They lacked stable housing and employment and lived under constant threat of detention for illegal immigration. In 2025, two operations by the Royal Thai Police resulted in the detention of more than 100 Central Highlands ethnic minorities who were staying in the country unlawfully. Many were held at Thailand’s Immigration Detention Center.
Among those who returned is Siu H’Met, born in 1974 and a resident of Hra village in Ia Ko commune. She said life in Thailand brought “no happiness—only hardship and hunger.” She described living in remote locations, frequently relocating to avoid police detection, and never having a place she could call home.
To survive, she and others took on informal work such as cutting trees, assisting at construction sites or washing dishes for low wages. With earnings insufficient to cover even basic needs, many depended on charity groups for food and support. Several now regret their decision to leave Vietnam.
The Homeland Security Division of Gia Lai Provincial Police contacted relatives of those still in Thailand to encourage them to return. Local authorities said they provided assistance and created favourable conditions to ensure the group’s safe trip back to Vietnam, where they are now receiving support to reintegrate into their communities.
