SHAMANS AND REBELS: THE BATCHAI (MEO) REBELLION OF NORTHERN LAOS AND NORTH-WEST VIETNAM (1918-21).
Author(s):
Gunn, Geoffrey C.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of The Siam Society, Volume 74, (1986-01). pp. 107-121.
Language:
English
Abstract:
In antiquity, an ethnic group known to the French as the Meo migrated from China or Central Asia to the area along the Chinese border with Vietnam and Laos. There, the Meo never gained autonomy and were forced to accept harassment from the regional aristocracies as a condition for peaceful survival. In 1918, however, a Thai raid on a Meo settlement triggered a violent response. Batchai, one of the many self-styled Meo shamans and messianic leaders, led many of the Meo in a guerrilla rebellion against their tormentors and French colonial forces, which they withstood for two years. After submitting, they were forced to pay reparations but were granted much of the autonomy they desired.