songkhla vietnemese refugee camp in thailand?

Question

does anybody know anything about songkhla refugee camp? my family and i were boat people that fled after the fall of saigon in '78. we stayed at this camp for 18 months before coming to america. i'm trying to find as many info about this camp as possible and would absolutely appreciate the help. thanks in advance.

-is it still around?
-i like to see pictures of this camp.
-did they take id photos of all their refugees at this camp? if yes then how can i obtain a copy?
-how big was this camp?
-what was in this camp besides shelter? ex:was there any stores, bathroom facilities, etc.
-anybody have pictures of your stayed at this camp?
1 second ago - 3 days left to answer.

Answer 1

The camp at Songkhla has been closed for over 20 years.

There are plenty of photos of the camp that have appeared in newspapers. Wire Service photo libraries such as AP or UPI (which has been taken over by another company) have photos of the camp in their archives. I know that there should be TV vision of the camp help by REUTERS TV, a TV syndication service. I actually shot some of this vision for VISNEWS before it was taken over by Reuters,

UNHCR took photos of all people at the camps for their identity protocols.

The camp was very small. It was about 200 yards long, and just on the beach front which was about 25 to 50 yards wide.

There were a few tents mixed amongst the many beached boats. Almost no decent facilities available.

I do not have any photos or TV footage of the camp.

Answer 2

Hi, I was 10 years old when my family among 36 other people arrived in a camp in Thailand circa 1982. It was a long time ago, but I remember the camp is quite small but tranquil. It was quite near the beach, but we don't have access to the beach since it was cordoned off by barb wires at the gate. I also remember there was a Buddhist Monastery/temple on the left side and a crematory on the right side of the camp. The monks came and gave us candy while teaching us exercise routine. When there is a funeral, they parade in front of the gate and took a left turn into the crematory. The red colors and celebration for the dead is rather a surprise to me since death usually mean sadness, but these people were celebrating. After the cremation, they pass out food to the children and my my my, how good it tastes. I remember the tamarind, pork, coconut milk soup with various seasoning like green peppers. Although I stayed for only a few months before heading to Palau Galang, I have fond memories of the camp. Can you tell me what camp that was and where it is located? Thanks in advance. Victor