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The Ban Romklao Conflict (1987-1988)
Background and Dispute origins
The Ban Romklao Conflict, also known as the Thai–Laotian Border War, was a short but intense military confrontation between Thailand and Laos that occurred from December 1987 to February 1988. The conflict centered on the disputed village of Ban Romklao, located on the border between Phitsanulok Province in Thailand and Sainyabuli Province in Laos, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the area due to ambiguities in the original French-drawn border maps from 1907.
The root of the dispute lay in unclear demarcation of the border, especially in the southern Luang Prabang Range. The French maps, which defined the boundary between Siam (Thailand) and French Indochina (Laos), often ignored the natural watershed principle, leading to overlapping territorial claims. Both Thailand and Laos also contested control over three villages in Uttaradit Province, which further heightened tensions. Minor skirmishes and clashes had occurred since 1984, but the situation escalated in late 1987 when Thai forces occupied Ban Romklao and raised the Thai flag, prompting strong protests from Laos.
Timeline
May 1987: Laotian soldiers crossed the border, destroyed a Thai logging company's tractor, and took seven Thai civilians hostage. Thai rangers responded, escalating tensions.
June 8, 1987: Around 30 Laotian soldiers attacked a Thai ranger base, leading to repeated clashes around Ban Romklao.
September 8, 1987: 200 Laotian soldiers launched a major attack on the Thai ranger base.
November 1987: Thailand launched Operation Soi Duo, aiming to clear the disputed area of Laotian troops.
November 17, 1987: Thai forces attacked Hill 1482 with seven battalions of commandos and rangers.
December 15, 1987: Thai F-5 fighter jets bombed Laotian positions, and heavy artillery exchanges began. Thai forces occupied Ban Romklao and raised their flag, prompting strong protests from Laos.
January 1988: Intense fighting continued, with both sides exchanging artillery fire and conducting aerial attacks. By mid-January, Thai forces claimed control of 70% of the ground around Hill 1428.
February 1–2, 1988: Major Thai offensive on Hill 1428; Thai forces recaptured Objective 7 but suffered heavy casualties.
February 11, 1988: Lao leader Kaysone Phomvihane sent a ceasefire request to the Thai Prime Minister.
February 12–17, 1988: Continued skirmishes and artillery duels, including a major Thai air strike into Laos on February 13.
February 19, 1988: Ceasefire declared, with both sides agreeing to withdraw 3 kilometers from the line of contact.
Outcomes
The conflict was terminated by a ceasefire agreement which was agreed upon on 17 February 1988 and implemented two days later, on 19 February. Further talks were held in March, however, none led to a resolution of the border conflict. The ceasefire, continued to hold, however, even though the relations between the two countries were strained. Later on, the tensions shifted from military confrontation to cooperation between Thailand and Laos.
Current Status
Nowadays, there is no border dispute between Thailand and Laos although the tension between Thailand and Cambodia still intense. Thailand and Laos border were established some major crossing between both countries, some friendship bridges, such as ong Khai-Vientiane, Mukdahan-Savannakhet, and even various river ferries. Therefore, people and cross to both countries easily. However, Thailand has risen strictness in Visa enforcement and exemption system since November as frequent border hops via Laos are risky, with immigration now actively denying entry or extensions to those abusing the visa exemption system (often after just two runs) to prevent illegal work or long-term stays.
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