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Beginning Research in South East Asia

© Christine Sievers

Beginning Research in Southeast Asia

My world journey continues this week into Southeast Asia. Again, I remind all researchers to first exhaust all resources in the country of immigration before traveling to the emigration point.

Because of these countries' recent troubled histories, records will be hard, if not impossible to find. Gather as many family stories as you can. Ask relatives for copies of documents that will help you in your research. When documentation cannot be found on the other side of the ocean, you still can gain an understanding of your ancestors by studying the culture and history of their country.

As the family historian, you have the opportunity to preserve the family' stories for your grandchildren of many generations. Weaving together these stories and historical facts, you can produce a family history rich in tradition that will be treasured for generations.

With these caveats in mind, here are some good places to begin to study and search in your country:

Cambodia

For recent background information Timeline: Cambodia's Troubled History, ABC news, provides timeline from 1953 to 1997. Then to enrich history, Cambodia, Chamroeun's Home has an excellent cultural site.

When you are ready to research the genealogical side,Cambodia Genealogy-WorldGenWeb Project will help you connect with others by using the link to queries and surname boards. Many holes in your research can be filled by others doing research in the same country, and you can help them fill in theirs.

Laos

To begin your background research, Hmong Means Free has an excellent history of Laos. Then, for more information Doug's Asia Web - Laos includes a map and a timeline, with promise of more to come.

For genealogical research, Laos Genealogy-WorldGenWeb Project has links to a query and a surname page. When documentation is hard to find, the help of other genealogists is invaluable. You also might find a lost cousin!

THAILAND:

The Thailand Genealogy - WorldGenWeb Project has historical, as well as, query and surname boards. It is best to study the history first.

Another site of interest isSiamWEB Cyber Culture. You will find tons of links to much information about Thailand, including a newsgroup.

Vietnam

For indepth background information Vietnam - a Country Study, by the Library of Congress, will be the place to visit.

On to genealogy, the Vietnam Genealogy-/WorldGenWeb Project includes links to a query and a surname page. Then, to find out what documentation is available,Preservation and Archives in Vietnam provides valuable information.