I think it is sad that your mom had to burn the pictures of your dad to protect everyone. Did your dad made it out of Laos? You need to keep asking your mom and older sister and write down your story. We all need to do that to preserve our stories.

I have not seen The Betrayal yet but met the man, Ai Thavisouk who the story is about. I will write about him and post his picture.

Just like your family, my family was at Ubon during that time too. As a matter of fact, I was born in that camp back in December 1978. My family had a decent size brood there that consisted of my family of 6 and my cousins which had 7 members. Also, like your stepfather, my father was soldier of the Royal Lao Army.

Speaking of pictures, my mother told me a sad story that when Pathet Laos assumed control she all to burn pictures she had of my father. It would have dangerous for her if the communist army discovered she was married to a member of the opposing faction.

Well, all in all, I thorough enjoyed your story. I like hearing personal accounts of other Laotians’ experiences of Laos during that time. Which reminds me, I got to watch The Betrayal – Nerakhoon.

Like I commented on your page, your are an amazing photographer. Maybe that is why your pictures capture your subject so well: you want to preserve that moment of significance in the lives of your clients.