This thesis investigated the roles of the Tai tribal people in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu between the Viet Minh Army and the French Army, which was considered the salvation war from the French colonization. This battle took place at Muang Thaeng, a Tai township. This study focused on what the roles of the Tai tribal people were in participating in this important war, generally known as the Battle ofDien Bien Phu. This investigation aimed to explain their roles in this battle, such as, joining the battle or helping and facilitating in providing supplies, medicine, and intelligence work. This study also analyzed the effects of the battle on this ethnic group and changes under the Vietnamese administration.
It was revealed that the tribal people played an important role in assisting both armies in terms of intelligence work and participation in the battle, because they were knowledgeable and skillful in exploiting military strategic areas and supplying facilities. Therefore, they were crucial for the victory of both armies. The battle ended with the Vietnamese army beating the French army, resulting in the freedom of the country. This result affected the tribal people, forcing them to migrate to neighboring regions or other countries. Under the Vietnamese government, there were changes in the administration and socio-economic structures of the tribal people. Communist ideology and centralization were introduced and replaced.