A Love Story

The Vietnamese Boat People

Kim Thái, shares the story of how her parents Chánh and Phượng Thái met, fell in love, and began their journey as husband and wife, only to get separated by the aftermath of the war in Việt Nam. During the height of the war, her father was stationed abroad, and made the decision to return to Việt Nam to be with his wife and baby, even though many had advised him not to. Upon his return, her father was imprisoned in a re-education camp, everything was taken from them and her mother had to find a way to raise their child alone. Their story is one that proves above all else, love prevails through war, separation, and hardship, even when all odds are stacked against you. This episode celebrates 50 years of their love and marriage.

This episode is directed and produced by VBP 2023 Mỹ Việt Story Slam storyteller Kim Thái, a writer and Emmy-award winning producer whose work can be seen on MTV, TED, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Newsweek, and Buzzfeed.

Show Credits:
VBP Executive Producer: Tracey Nguyễn Mang
VBP theme music: Clarity, Paulina Vo
Interview conducted by Kim Thái and Khuê Thái Farmer
Episode directed and produced by Kim Thái
Sound design and editing by Jess Kaufman

Music Credits
Of Virtue, Pensive Gaze, Her own device, Hybrid rhythmics, Once in a life, Until Now, A Quiet Storm, Inspiration