THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE ALONG THE HO CHI MINH TRAIL IN LAOS: A CASE STUDY OF BOUALAPHA DISTRICT, KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE, LAO PDR

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to study what problems unexploded ordinance (UXO) still pose along the old Ho Chi Minh Trail (HCMT) in southeastern Laos and what can be done to address the clean up of those unexploded bombs. In looking for answers to those questions first this thesis researches the history of the bombing of the HCMT during the Vietnam War. The study finds Laos is the most bombed country on earth with more than 2 million tons of explosives dropped between 1964 and 1973. It also finds that an estimated 30 percent of those bombs did not exploded and they continue to pose a danger for the people of the country. This thesis focuses on Boualapha district in Khammouane province starting at Mu Gia Pass where the HCMT first crossed from Vietnam into Laos, and a further 60 kilometers south through seven villages along what used to be the trail. The history of the bombing and more recent history since 1973 after the last bomb was dropped and how the remaining bombs continue to cause problems are important parts of the research. However, how the current population deals with living in territory that can explode and what the cost, as best can be figured, of that way of life are also important. That took the most research and required a qualitative research method talking with numerous people in Boualapha district and also observing people in that region where the research is focused. Books and documents proved important as well as interviews. The study finds that there is much more that can and should be done to clean up the UXO in Laos. The key is considering what can be done and how much time and treasure would be required to clean of the mess.