E22: Vilavanh Phetmixay (AKA “Mom”) on secretly eloping to the U.S. as an Isaan refugee + becoming a wife/mother + proving herself successful

MEET HOL GUEST: VILAVANH PHETMIXAY AKA “MOM” 

In BONUS episode 22 of HOL, Vilavanh aka “MOM” joins Rita for a conversation about secretly eloping to the U.S. with Peter at the young age of 22 and asking her family in Thailand for forgiveness much later, as they were not aware of her escape plan or her whereabouts. Since then, Vilavanh has since built a life of her own in the U.S., becoming a successful mother of four children, wife, and business woman. 

This episode explores the intersections of the impact of the Secret War across the countries of Laos and Thailand, the practice of loyalty to immediate family, and what it takes for a diaspora community to combine their resources to support each other in destitute situations.

Today, Vilavanh works as a landlord and as a Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide to seniors and people with dis/abilities in North Carolina.

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REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
Chonburi, Thailand
Nong Khai Refugee Camp

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