A Brief History

Following the first wave of refugee resettlement in the United States in 1976, Wayne Saykao Thao and former Captain Kue Sao envisioned uniting the Thao and Kue families into a single, organized community. After years of discussion and planning, their vision began to take shape in 1981 with the formation of Thao Universal. Mr. Xi Thao was elected as the organization’s first President, and Colonel Nengchu Thao chaired the meeting to ratify its rules and bylaws. Although Thao Universal was later relocated to California and eventually dissolved, it laid the foundation for future collaboration.

In the years that followed, the Thao Kue Organization was established and became instrumental in unifying Thao and Kue families in Minnesota. Originally formed in the 1980s as a local group in the Twin Cities, it was led by respected community leaders including Shong Ger Thao, Galong Thao, Shongleng Thao, and Pang Mang Thao. The Kue family was later invited to join, strengthening the organization’s mission of unity. Songkao Thao was elected as the first President of the Thao Kue Organization.

The presidency has since been carried forward by the following leaders: Pang Mang Thao, Shong Ger Thao, Galong Thao, Nha Toua Thao, Nhia Zong Thao, Robert Thao, Vang Xang Thao, Ghia Kee Thao, Cher Cha Thao, Vang Sao Thao, Chia Cher Thao, Chung Leng Kue (the first President from the Kue family), and Wunglee Thao.

Under the leadership of President Nhia Kee Thao, the organization evolved into a more modern structure. It was officially incorporated in 2007 during the administration of President Vang Sao Thao. Building on this progress, and driven by a shared commitment to unity, respected Thao and Kue leaders convened in 2011 under President Vang Sao Thao to initiate the formation of Thao Kue United—an effort to unite families across the United States.

The first national meeting was held on October 15–16, 2011, followed by a second meeting on October 27–28, 2012. These gatherings led to the establishment of Thao Kue United, Inc., supported by 13 states: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin. Chia Cher Thao and Dr. Nhia Pao Kue were elected as Interim President and Vice President, respectively.

Credited to Wayne Saykao Thao