Landmine survivors to witness final destruction of Royal Thai Government stockpiles

(Wednesday 23 April 2003 Bangkok, Thailand) Thirty-five survivors of anti-personnel landmines, representing the areas in eastern Thailand worst-affected by landmines, will cycle 135 kilometers to witness the destruction of Government stockpiles of anti-personnel landmines, taking place in Lopburi on Thursday 24 April.

Bicycle Rally in 2000, by TCBL.

Chusak Sae-Lee, a landmine survivor from Chanthaburi Province describes the cycle rally as a significant personal challenge he's ready to meet in the interests of promoting a mine-free world.

"Recovering from my encounter with an anti-personnel landmine in 1985 and learning to live with a prosthesis, I am no stranger to challenges. I know that cycling from Bangkok to Lopburi will be difficult at times and a significant personal challenge. But I am prepared to meet this challenge as a demonstration of my determination, at that of other mine victims, to highlight the importance of local and international efforts to eliminate mines and support mine victims," he said.

"I am also excited that we will witness the Royal Thai Government destruction of its stockpiles. Destroying these mines will see Thailand meet an important obligation under the treaty. This demonstrates the Government's commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty and I hope it will serve as an example to other states in South East Asia and around the world.

"I believe mine victims have an important role in advocating ongoing efforts under the Mine Ban Treaty. Maintaining our physical health can be difficult, but living with disabilities inflicted by cruel weapons such as mines also makes us stronger in many ways. The cycle rally will call on some of that strength! I welcome the opportunity to share my own story with other mine victims, and to congratulate the Royal Thai Government for making progress towards a mine-free world," said Chusak.