Guide to the Lao Stories: Laotian American Oral History Project MS.SEA.070
Finding aid prepared by Zoe MacLeod, 2021.
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
(cc) 2021
The UCI Libraries
P.O. Box 19557
University of California, Irvine
Irvine 92623-9557
spcoll@uci.edu
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
Title: Lao Stories: Laotian American Oral History Project
Creator:
Pan, Prinston
Identifier/Call Number: MS.SEA.070
Physical Description:
26.5 Gigabytes
Date (inclusive): 2020 October 10 - 2021 January 9
Abstract: Lao Stories: Laotian American Oral History Project consists of audio and video interviews of Laotian Americans across the
United States about their life experiences.
Language of Material:
English
, Lao
.
Access
This collection contains digital materials. It is minimally processed, but is open for research. Please contact the Department
of Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access.
Publication Rights
Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their
heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives."
Preffered Citation
Lao Stories: Laotian American Oral History Project. MS-SEA070. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries,
Irvine, California. [Date accessed].
Acquisition Information
Gift of Kaisy Pan (on behalf of Prinston Pan), 2021.
Processing History
Preprocessed by Mary Nguyen, 2021; accessioned by Zoe MacLeod, 2021.
Scope and Contents Note
Lao Stories: Laotian American Oral History Project consists of audio and video interviews of Laotian Americans across the
United States about their life experiences. Interviews were conducted by Prinston Pan, a second generation Laotian American
high school student in Southern California. The interviews range from 30 minutes to over an hour in duration and were primarily
conducted remotely during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. The narrators discuss their experiences in Laos and the U.S. including
the hardships they had to overcome, as well as what they hope for future generations. This project provides an in-depth,
primary source on the Lao diaspora community's culture and history.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Laotian Americans--Social life and customs
Laotian Americans--Interviews.
Oral History of Kongpheng Kora
2021 February 1
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Kongpheng Kora
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: February 1, 2021
Length of Interview: 00:45:08
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Interpreter: Kaisy Saengpeng
Abstract: Kong Kora was born in a small farming village before moving to Vientiane at a young age in order to attend school
and eventually the police academy. He worked his way up to the ranks until he became the chief of police. When the Communists
invaded Laos, he escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand where he met with his family and was sponsored by a church in Kansas
to come to America. In Kansas, Kong attended college and worked many jobs. He eventually saved up enough money to create his
own Laotian grocery store where he was able to create his own Lao community within the small town.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Agriculture; Blue-collar Work; Business; Business owner; Grocery Store; Labor; Lao Language; Market;
Nong Khai, Thailand; Refugee camp; Sponsorship; Vientiane, Laos; War
Oral History of Nor Sanavongsay
2020 October 18
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Nor Sanavongsay
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: October 18, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:36:08
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Nor Sanavongsay was born in Laos and stayed at the refugee camp at very young age before being sponsored by a church
in Tennessee to move to America. Throughout his childhood, he discusses biking around the city with his friends and his parents'
support in trying out new hobbies. Through his artistically talented uncle and the various cartoons he watched, he developed
a passion for drawing. In college he struggled with illustration, yet he became increasingly interested in technology as the
internet became more widespread. He majored in electronic media which landed him a job at Encyclopedia Britannica. With the
invention of the iPhone, Nor began to move into application development, which he does to this day.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Art; Artist; California; Education; Elgin, Illinois; English Language; Illustrator; Kingsport, Tennessee;
Laos; Mueang Mukdahan, Thailand; Phon Sai, Thailand; Sponsorship
Oral History of Anna Phommachantone
2020 October 25
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Anna Phommachantone
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: October 25, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:55:15
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Anna Phommachantone is an executive intern at Legacies of War, an organization that works to remove Unexploded Ordnances
from Laos. When she was four, she moved to Lancester, Pennsylvania, where she attended predominantly white schools. There
she learned how to adapt to her surroundings, while also maintaining her Lao culture and identity through attending Lao temples.
It was not until she went to college that she was exposed to diversity and was able to interact with others and learn about
different perspectives. She is planning to major in international studies and business to further her international perspective
and develop her marketing and advertising skills.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Buddhism; English Language; Eldest daughter; Education; Food; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Legacies
of War; Luang Prabang, Laos; Scholar; Sponsorship; Student; War
Oral History of Ova Saopeng
2020 November 1
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Ova Saopeng
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 1, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:58:39
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Ova Saopeng was born in Laos but moved to Hawaii at a very young age. He discusses learning about the different
cultures in religion in Hawaii as a child. After seeing a play in middle school, he was inspired to join a theater club where
he learned about acting and performing. His memories of his journey to America as well as his experience growing up as a Laotian-American
shaped his motivation to help others express themselves to others through theater. Ova is now a film actor and producer of
TeAda Productions. Teda Productions is a theater that sets out to share the stories of immigrants and refugees.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Art; Artist; Christianity; Deportation; English Language; Food; Honolulu, Hawaii; Independent Artist;
Kalihi, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California; Refugee camp; Seno, Laos; Spirituality; Thailand; Theater; Tradition; War
Oral History of Kou Srimoungchanh
2020 October 27
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Kou Srimoungchanh
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: October 27, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 01:13:53
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Kou Srimoungchanh spent a portion childhood in a small agricultural Lao village, where he recalls going out with
his brothers to hunt for food. When the communists went to overthrow the Lao government, Kou and his family were able to escape
to Hawaii due to his dad's relationship with the French and American government. He spent his teenage years back and forth
between Hawaii and Winfield, Kansas. Despite trying other jobs, like carpet cleaning, he was eventually guided into technology.
He is now the owner of his own tech company First Secure Data, where he works with other companies to create digital tools
to protect their data.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Computer Security; English Language; Food; Hawaii; Information Technology; Kansas City, Missouri;
Non-religious; Refugee; Savannakhet, Laos; War; Winfield, Kansas
Oral History of Aleena Inthaly
2020 November 1
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Aleena Inthaly
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 1, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length: 01:09:45
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Aleena Inthaly is a second generation Lao-American who was born in Alexandria, Virginia. She works as the chief
of staff at Legacies of War, an organization that works to remove Unexploded Ordinances from Laos. After moving to Springfield,
Virginia during her childhood, she came to grow-up in a very diverse neighborhood; there, she learned more about her own culture
through interacting with others, as well as the fundamentals of community building. She encourages future generations to take
the time and learn about history and the past and to build a sense of resilience and empathy through understanding the past.
Keywords: 2nd Generation; Alexandria, Virginia; Eldest daughter; English Language; Food; Gender Roles; Identity; Intergenerational;
Lao American; Legacies of War; Microaggression; Racism; Refugee Camp; Secret War; Springfield, Virginia; Thailand; UXO; War
Oral History of Intha Sanduen
2020 November 15
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Intha Sanduen
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 15, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:29:34
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Interpreter: Kaisy Saengpeng
Abstract: Intha Sandeung was born in Thakhek, Khammouane Province, Laos. She worked as a nurse in Laos until the Communists
took over, which forced her to flee along with her family to America. She got a job at a deli market, where she and her husband
worked many strenuous hours to save up money to send their children to college. She recalls struggling with the English language
as well as the mode of work and transportation in America when she first arrived. She hopes to return to Laos for a visit
in the future. She also encourages future generations to learn about Lao culture, language, and religion.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Healthcare; Khammouane, Laos; Lao Language; Medical; Refugee Camp; Winfield, Kansas
Oral History of Kagna Meils
2020 November 15
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Kagna Meils
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 15, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:38:04
Transcriber: Dara Sengchanthavong
Abstract: Kagna Meils lived in a largely agricultural village in Laos where she mainly focused on school before her family
was forced to escape because of the war that took place against the communist regime. As one of the first Laotians in Winfield,
Kansas highschool she had many first hand experiences with discrmination, which she learned to deal with in many ways. By
the time she graduated, the Lao Community had exponentially grown which allowed her, for the first time in many years, to
connect with others of the same culture and help prevent other Laotians from facing the same treatment she experienced.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Chinese Lao; Education; Food; Vientiane, Laos; Labor; Manufacturing; Music; Refugee Camp; Retail
Industry; Sponsorship; Thailand; Winfield, Kansas
Oral History of Kham Phimasone
2020 November 15
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Kham Phimasone
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 15, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length: 00:38:31
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Interpreter: Kaisy Saengpeng
Abstract: Kham Phimasone describes her childhood education in Laos as well as her initial dreams of becoming a doctor. After
completing several years of her primary and secondary education, she eventually pursued teaching and graduated with a teaching
degree from the National University of Laos. At the start of the communist regime, she had to escape through a boat and work
long, low paying jobs in America despite her high education in Laos. She reflects on her memories and compares her work experience
and lifestyle between America and Laos. She hopes to visit Laos again in the future after the pandemic is over.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Agriculture; Buddhism; Education; Food; Graphics; Lao Language; Nong Khai, Thailand; Printing Industry;
Refugee Camp; Sponsorship; Vientiane, Laos; War; Wichita, Kansas; Winfield, Kansas
Oral History of Bryan Thao Worra
2020 November 19
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Bryan Thao Worra
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: November 19, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 01:06:49
Transcriber: Dara Sengchanthavong
Abstract: Bryan Thao Worra was born in Vientiane, Laos and was then adopted by a pilot for Lao Airlines and lived in America
during his childhood. During his years in college, he left for a period of time to go to Washington D.C. to work in Southeast
Asian Refugee Resettlement. When he grew older, he looked for his birth parents, which brought him on a long journey through
America and into Laos. Through poetry, Bryan expresses his mix of emotions between his Lao origins and his American upbringing.
He encourages future generations to be proud of Lao culture and explore the different possibilities and ways of being Lao.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Adoptee; Adoption; Alaska; Art; Artist; Banhimphenh, Laos; Education; English Language; Identity;
Immigration and Refugee policy; Intergenerational; Lao Culture; Lao Customs; Lao Tradition; Literature; Michigan; Modesto,
California; Montana; Non-profit; Poetry; Racism; Refugee; Refugee Resettlement; Vientiane, Laos; War; Washington D.C.
Oral History of Sera Koulabdara
2021 February 13
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Sera Koulabdara
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: February 13th, 2021
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:57:17
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Sera Koulabdara was born in Vientiane, Laos and raised in Pakse, Laos. Due to her father's job as a surgeon, her
family moved around a lot, and she was initially raised by her grandmothers. She recalls learning to share what she had from
a young age due to her experiences of sharing food with others at the temple growing up. After coming to the United States,
she majored in international finance, marketing, and minored in Spanish at Ohio State University. She then came to work as
the executive director of Legacies of War, an organization created to increase awareness of the events of the Secret War.
Sera encourages others to keep learning and contribute and invoke change in society.
Keywords: 1.5 Generation; Advocacy; Pakse, Laos; Buddhism; Chairwoman; College; Columbus, Ohio; Ohio State University; Executive
Director; Finance; Highschool; International Finance; Lao Schools; Legacies Library; Legacies of War; Marketing; Preservation;
Racial Equality; Secret War; Spanish; Surgeon; UXO; Unexploded Ordnance; Vientiane, Laos
Oral History of Chanto Vorasarn
2020 December 18
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Chanto Vorasarn
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: December 18th, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 01:05:58
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Chanto Vorasarn was born in Savannakhet, Laos. He left his parents and came to live with his uncle in order to go
to school and eventually graduated from military school to become an officer. He spent many years in the military and ended
up as a Major in the military. After the Vietnam War, he was taken as a prisoner of war and was held captive for ten years.
After being released, he escaped to Thailand and eventually came to the United States after working as an interpreter for
the U.S. Embassy. After coming to the United States, he worked as a high school teacher and even went back to college to obtain
a degree to teach French in high schools. He now runs a community center in Florida and is the chair of the Lao Art and Cultural
Foundation.
Keywords: 1st Generation; American Legend; Atlanta, Georgia; Buddhism; Education; English Language; Florida; Lao Art and Cultural
Foundation; Lao Civil War; Major; Military; Officer; Prison Camp; Prisoner of War; Savannakhet, Laos; St.Petersburg, Florida;
Teacher; Thailand; Veteran
Oral History of Khambang Sibounheuang
2020 December 20
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Khambang Sibounheuang
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: December 20th, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 01:29:04
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Khambang Sibounheuang was born in Ban Kalong, Savannahkhet, Laos. He went to a buddhist school until he was about
the age of ten; he mainly took care of his family. He went to college and went on to write two books. At 17, he joined the
army. Wanting to escape a communist regime, Khambang escaped to Thailand, and then the United States. After coming to the
United States with his spouse and children, he went to law school and military school and even came to teach a high school
class. He encourages future generations to keep the Laotian culture alive.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Ban Kalong, Laos; Books; Buddhist School; Communism; Company Commander; Lao Association; Lao Civil
War; Military; Military General; Military Training; Thailand; Translator; Royal Lao Army; Secret War; Teacher; U.S. Special
Forces; Writer
Oral History of Medd Rattana
2020 December 13
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Medd Rattana
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: December, 13, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:53:25
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Medd Rattana was born in Savannakhet, Laos and eventually moved to Pakse, Laos where he received his primary and
secondary education. He joined the Lao army after going to military school in France. After the war, he escaped to a refugee
camp in Nong Kai, Thailand and eventually came to San Francisco, California. He went back to school, got married, and settled
in Fort Brad, North Carolina. He came to work in financial services and encourages the younger generation to continue the
legacy of Laos.
Keywords: 1st generation; Bangkok, Thailand; French Military Academy; Lao Army; Lao Culture; Major; Military; Nong Kai, Thailand;
Pakse, Laos; San Francisco, California; Savannakhet, Laos; Working class
Oral History of Tony Vongkaysone
2020 December 19
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Tony Vongkaysone
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: December 19, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:56:46
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Tony Vongkaysone was born in Ban Thabok, Bolikhamsai Province, Laos. After obtaining a scholarship from the United
States government after the tenth grade, Tony moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand to study agriculture as well as obtain a bachelor's
degree. He did not return to Laos, and instead, fled to a refugee camp and eventually came to San Francisco, California. He
then moved to Kansas and attended Western State University and obtained a degree in business with a minor in biology. He went
on to work in the field of science.
Keywords: 1st Generation; Ban Thabok, Bolikhamsai, Laos; Biology; Business; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Kansas; Lao Resistance Movement;
Mois Des, California; San Francisco, California; Vientiane, Laos; Western State University
Oral History of Pida Kangphoutong
2020 October 10
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Pida Kangphoutong
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: October 10, 2020
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:56:00
Transcriber: Prinston Pan
Abstract: Pida Kongphouthone was born in Oulong Thailand refugee camp. He came to the United States at the age of three and
resided in Linda Vista, California. After attending Cal State Fullerton and obtaining a degree in political science and public
administration, Pida went on to be a business owner. Growing up, he recalls having to adjust to racism, discrimination, and
prejudice. He is involved with Lao Advocacy and the Lao Community Cultural Center of San Diego; he also supports the Center
of Lao Studies and Legacies of War. He encourages the younger generations to embrace their heritage.
Oral History of Khammy Luanglatbandith
2021 January 9
Scope and Contents Note
Narrator: Khammy Luanglatbandith
Interviewer: Prinston Pan
Date: January 9, 2021
Location: Irvine, California
Length of Interview: 00:33:23
Transcriber: Dara Sengchanthavong
Abstract: Khammy Luanglatbandith was born in Savannakhet, Laos. He was only able to obtain up to a high school level of eduction
before he was drafted into the Lao Airforce as Master Sergeant. He recalls his family struggling financially and not being
able to send him to other forms of higher eductation. In the army, he came to the United States for a short period of time
for aircraft mechanic training. After escaping to Thailand, he resided in the Lao refugee camp in Nong Kai, Thailand; he then
came to Fort Worth, Texas and remained an aircraft mechanic. He encourages future generations to learn about Lao language
and history.
Keywords: 1st generation; Air America; Aircraft Mechanic; Airforce; American Airlines; Bangkok, Thailand; Bolikhamsai, Laos;
Communism; Fort Worth, Texas; Lao Master Sergeant; Nong Kai, Thailand; Savannakhet, Laos; Travis, California