Thailand's Volunteer Hill Tribe Militia (VHTM) was first established in 1970 with the support of Thai Paratroopers (thahan phon rom), during a period of increased armed conflict between the Thai military and the People’s Liberation Army of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT). Crucially, unlike other paramilitary units in Thailand, those who joined the VHTM were upland ethnic minorities, including Hmong, Lua (Thin), Iu-Mien (Yao), Kmhmu, Lue and Thai Muang peoples who were not recognized as citizens of Thailand, even though almost all were born and raised in Thailand. (Military History)