THREE decades ago, thousands of Vietnamese people came to the UK to escape the aftermath of the Vietnam war. Like the Syrians, they were fleeing persecution; like the Syrians, they endured horrendous journeys, facing danger from pirates, storms and overcrowded boats, during which many died. Unlike the Syrians, however, the Vietnamese boat people were welcomed to the UK and the rest of Europe with open arms. ANN FOTHERINGHAM spoke with one women who survived and thrived.

THUY Hughes was just two years old when her family fled Vietnam.

“Like so many others, my parents did not know if we would survive the journey,” she explains at her home in Hamilton.

“So many died at sea.

“We were crammed into a small, wooden boat, with about 70 others.

"During the journey, pirates robbed us – luckily, they did not steal people, they just wanted the money.

“On the seventh day, our boat started to crack and began filling up with water.

"Thankfully, we were rescued by a French ship and taken to France.”

Thuy, who works in finance and runs a Vietnamese and French language and culture group in Glasgow, says her family was warmly welcomed by the French, who provided food, clothing and support.

“Like Scotland, the support was there to help us blend into the community,” she says.

“It was hard for my parents, who had to learn the language and find work.

"But there were volunteer helpers and charities who came to see us and teach us a few basic words, and provide clothing.

Thuy moved to London to work in 2001 and came to Scotland four years ago.

She says: “Refugees don’t leave their own countries because they want to.

"They don’t have a choice.

“People who flee their countries during times of war want to protect their children, to make sure the children still have opportunities for a bright life and future.

“I understand how challenging it is for countries, and the support has to be handled properly – if you put refugees in areas already struggling then of course that is difficult.

“But with the right support, these minority refugee populations can become a very successful and fully integrated part of our society.

“By helping them become part of the community, they will thrive and that’s for the benefit of everyone.

“My parents didn’t know if we would survive the journey.

“But they wanted a better life, a future for their children and the chance to give us an education.

"I’ll always be grateful they did that for us.”

As Thuy said far from being considered a problem, they were hailed as survivors and given sanctuary.

So what has changed?

Rufus Reade was one of the first members of the Scottish Refugee Council, which was set up to help the Vietnamese boat people as they arrived in Scotland in the early 80s.

The contrast in reaction to those fleeing Syria is, he says, stark.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Rufus, who now lives in Edinburgh.

“The support offered as soon as they arrived in Scotland, from medicines and food to clothing, accommodation and education, was amazing.

"Local Women’s Rural Institutes, Rotary Clubs and charities all got involved to help find people who would befriend these families arriving in the country, to help them feel welcome and safe and part of the community.

“It was amazing, so organised and full of kindness.”

Rufus, who was based in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, at one of the four Scottish refugee centres, adds: “But the reaction today is completely different.

“What is happening in Syria is horrific.

"The danger is we lump people into big groups, not consider them as individuals. I have spent some time in Syria and the people are wonderful.

"Those trying to escape are doctors, architects, lawyers - decent families, many of whom speak good English, and we should be helping them.

“I have just written to my MP to say, for God’s sake, it’s time to act.

"Our actions, invading Iraq and the resulting disintegration of law and order, have allowed ISIS to grow.

"We’re directly involved and need to respond to this crisis.”

He explains: “When the Vietnamese landed in Scotland, they were not considered a nuisance, or a ‘swarm’ or any of those horrible words being used to talk about people escaping the terrible situation in Syria.

“They were survivors, and we helped them.”