As communism descended on South Vietnam and Laos, the Tai Dam feared reprisals for their anticommunist past. They evacuated to Thailand and campaigned for sanctuary. Arthur Crisfield, an American language instructor, wrote letters to foreign governments on the group's behalf.
With communist forces taking over South Vietnam and Laos, the Tai Dam were afraid of being punished for their previous opposition to communism.  They left their homeland and sought refuge in Thailand, where they actively campaigned for protection from other nations. Arthur Crisfield, an American language teacher, wrote letters on behalf of the group to foreign governments seeking asylum.