Interview with Major General Trần Ngọc Thổ
Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin

Operation Orange: We are members of a student-led organization called Operation Orange, which aims to support and raise funds for Agent Orange victims. Although the Vietnam War ended decades ago, its devastating consequences are still deeply felt across generations. As Vietnam looks toward the future, we are committed to addressing the responsibilities of the past.

Could you please introduce yourself?

Major General Trần Ngọc Thổ: I am Major General Trần Ngọc Thổ, former Chief of Staff of Military Region 7, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange, and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Victims of Agent Orange. I have served continuously for 15 years across three terms.

Operation Orange: We would like to ask about your motivation to work with and support the Association for Victims of Agent Orange.

Major General Trần Ngọc Thổ: My motivation stems from my love for my country and my people. I served in three major conflicts: the resistance war against America from 1966–1975, the campaign against Pol Pot’s regime in Cambodia from 1977–1978, and the Sino–Vietnamese border war from 1979–1981.

The United States’ use of chemical warfare has left catastrophic consequences for the Vietnamese people. Between 1961 and 1971, they sprayed over 86 million liters of Agent Orange containing 366 kilograms of pure dioxin. Today, approximately 4.8 million people have been exposed to the toxins.

Since 1975, 1 million people have died. Among the surviving four million victims, the impacts on their second and third generations bring the total number of those affected to roughly five million. It was American’s intention to cause long-term, detrimental harm to our nation. That is why we had to stand up to them and resist. I am myself a victim of Agent Orange. I joined the Association with an unwavering determination to secure our fundamental right to live and to hold the U.S. accountable for reparations. When warfare inflicts such profound and lasting damage, the Vietnamese people deserve the same dignity and justice afforded to any other people.

We have pursued multiple legal avenues, but America continues to evade the judicial process. Instead of accepting full responsibility, they deflect accountability, arguing that those who directly implemented the campaign, the U.S. military and American chemical corporations, should bear liability. Therefore, we have filed lawsuits against 37 chemical companies. Although 10 have since dissolved, we will pursue litigation against the remaining 27 companies.

Operation Orange: We have learned that the effects of Agent Orange extend beyond the current victims to their children and even grandchildren, perpetuating suffering across generations. Therefore, the Association’s mission requires considerable financial resources. Has the Association faced any funding challenges in its efforts to support victims?

Major General Trần Ngọc Thổ: Naturally, we must mobilize support across the entire nation. I travel throughout all provinces, from the southernmost Cape Ca Mau to Nam Quan Pass in the north. In terms of mobilization work, we have to rely on our domestic resources. As for American compensation, we continue to wait. Our struggle with the U.S. has been protected. Multiple presidential administrations, from Clinton to Obama, have acknowledged that Vietnam faces serious Agent Orange-related issues. However, these statements fail to materialize into concrete reparations. The President and Prime Minister have consistently raised this matter during their visits to the U.S., but the U.S. continues to deflect responsibility. I have participated in two international conferences on this issue, but America remains indifferent. We have also engaged with the U.S. Congress, but they evade dialogue regarding our concerns.

Minh Thông’s Story

My name is Minh Thông. I recently graduated from Lý Tự Trọng College with a degree in Graphic Design. I was born with leg disabilities due to Agent Orange’s generational impacts. I have lived with this condition my entire life, so it feels normal to me. I don't consider it something that causes hardships in my daily life.

The community support that I have received at the Association has been tremendous, and I feel incredibly grateful for it. Their assistance covers almost every aspect of my life, from educational materials to mobility support. To honor all the love and support I have received, I am determined to live my life to the fullest and give back to the community.

Thu Thuỷ’s Story

My name is Phạm Thị Thu Thuỷ. Personally, I don’t see the effects of Agent Orange as barriers in my life. Instead, I think it’s one of the things that gives me more motivation to keep trying and to spread positive energy to others around me. I really don’t consider it an obstacle at all.

Regarding community support in Vietnam for aspects such as employment opportunities, I believe the first questions we need to ask ourselves are, “Do we take initiative? Do we reach out and engage with the outside world?” Only then can we truly understand what is available for us and what we need to do to facilitate that. For example, as someone with mobility disabilities, I know I need to use a wheelchair, crutches, or other assistive devices. We must be proactive in approaching opportunities, while everything around us simply serves as factors that can help us integrate better into society.