Agent Orange: Thailand Military Bases

DoD determined that herbicides used on the Thailand base perimeters may have been tactical and procured from Vietnam, or a strong, commercial type resembling tactical herbicides.

U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand, 1972 The National Archives

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Vietnam-era Veterans whose service involved duty on or near the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may have been exposed to herbicides and may qualify for VA benefits.

The following Veterans may have been exposed to herbicides:

• U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
• U.S. Army Veterans who provided perimeter security on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
• U.S. Army Veterans who were stationed on some small Army installations in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. However, the Army Veteran must have been a member of a military police (MP) unit or was assigned an MP military occupational specialty whose duty placed him/her at or near the base perimeter.

To receive benefits for diseases associated with herbicide exposure, these Veterans must show on a factual basis that they were exposed to herbicides during their service as shown by evidence of daily work duties, performance evaluation reports, or other credible evidence.

Report on Defense Tactics in Thailand

A recently declassified Department of Defense (DoD) Report written in 1973 titled, “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report: Base Defense in Thailand 1968-1972,” contains evidence that there was a significant use of herbicides on the fenced-in perimeters of military bases in Thailand to remove foliage that provided cover for enemy forces.

DoD determined that herbicides used on the Thailand base perimeters may have been tactical and procured from Vietnam, or a strong, commercial type resembling tactical herbicides.

VA Benefits

Veterans

Eligible Veterans may receive the following VA benefits:

• Health care benefits: A full range of medical benefits. Veterans who believe they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides outside of Vietnam must show that they were exposed in order to receive health care benefits for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.
• Agent Orange registry health examination: A cost-free, comprehensive examination. Veterans who may have been exposed to herbicides during a military operation or as a result of testing, transporting, or spraying herbicides for military purposes may be eligible for an Agent Orange Registry health examination.
• Disability compensation benefits: A monthly payment for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. Veterans who believe they were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides outside of Vietnam must show on a factual basis that they were exposed in order to receive disability compensation for diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure.
• Other benefits: Home loans, vocational rehabilitation, education, and more

Children and Survivors

Surviving spouses, children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to herbicides and died as the result of diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for benefits. These benefits include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, education, home loan and health care benefits. Find out if you qualify for survivors’ benefits.

Need Help Determining Exposure or Eligibility?

Contact VA for help determining Agent Orange exposure and your eligibility for VA benefits.