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Key developments since May 2001: The Thailand Mine Action Center is revising its master plan for the period 2002-2006 based on the results of the Landmine Impact Survey completed in May 2001. As of June 2002, TMAC had cleared 4.4 million square meters of land. As of July 2002, Thailand had destroyed 266,245 antipersonnel mines from stockpiles, including 186,899 since June 2001. Thailand became co-chair of the Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention in September 2001. Thailand has offered to host the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in 2003. A Regional Conference on Victim Assistance was held in Bangkok on 6-8 November 2001. On 13-15 May 2002, Thailand hosted the Regional Seminar on Landmines in Southeast Asia.
Thailand signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997, and deposited its instrument of ratification on 27 November 1998. The treaty entered into force for Thailand on 1 May 1999. Thailand has not enacted any new domestic legislation or other measures to implement the ban treaty. The Royal Thai Government claims that domestic legislation prior to the ban treaty is adequate, most notably in that domestic laws prohibit the possession of landmines by civilians.[1] Additional specific legislation regarding landmines has been considered, but no action has been taken. Thailand submitted its annual Article 7 Report, covering the calendar year 2001, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 30 April 2002.[2]
At the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Managua in September 2001, Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul highlighted the importance of the universalization and full implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty.[3] At a side meeting on 20 September 2001, Thailand participated in an ASEAN informal group meeting. Participants, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, agreed that the best approach to engaging ASEAN countries in landmine issues would be to focus on humanitarian aspects such as victim assistance, mine awareness, and socio-economic development for mine-affected areas.[4]
Following the Meeting of States Parties, Thailand and Norway assumed their role as co-chairs of the Standing Committee on General Status and Operation of the Convention. On 29 November 2001, Thailand cosponsored and voted in favor of UN General Assembly Resolution 56/24M calling for universalization and full implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty.
At the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in January and May 2002, Ambassador Futrakul led the Thai delegation. Ambassador Futrakul served as co-chair of the General Status Standing Committee and during its meeting on 1 February 2002, Thailand offered to host the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in 2003.[5] On the margins of the Standing Committee meetings, Thailand participated in an informal meeting of ASEAN states to discuss landmine issues.
From 13-15 May 2002, the Royal Thai Government hosted a meeting entitled “Landmines in Southeast Asia,” aimed at engaging ASEAN countries in solving the landmine problem in the region. The seminar was cosponsored by Australia, Canada and Japan. Eight out of ten ASEAN governments attended the meeting, the exceptions being Burma and Singapore. Participants included representatives of national campaigns to ban landmines, the ICBL, and concerned UN agencies.[6]
Thailand also attended the regional seminar on stockpile destruction hosted by Malaysia in August 2001.
Thailand is in the process of studying the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its Amended Protocol II.[7] Thailand sent observers to attend the Third Annual Conference of States Parties to the CCW Amended Protocol II held in December 2001 in Geneva.[8]
The Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines (TCBL) presented Landmine Monitor Report 2001 and “Landmine Monitor Thailand Country Report 2001,” also translated into Thai language, to General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, on 17 December 2001.[9] TCBL received favorable comments on the report especially from TMAC. Nonviolence International Southeast Asia produced a report on “ASEAN and Anti-personnel Mines” based on the Landmine Monitor Report 2001 with the addition of landmine victim stories from each ASEAN country. The publication was partially financed by TMAC and UNDP.[10]
There are no allegations of new use of antipersonnel mines in Thailand during this reporting period (since May 2001).[11] Thailand states that it has never produced antipersonnel mines,[12] including Claymore mines.[13] Thailand has not exported antipersonnel mines.
In April 2001, there was a case of an apparent attempted illegal export of antipersonnel mines. A consignment of nine different types of arms and explosives, including 23 M-14 mines, 23 fuses for M-14 mines, and 25 M18A1 Claymore mines, was seized on 10 May 2001 in Songkhla province. The arms were allegedly smuggled from a military arsenal by two army officials. The apprehended smugglers reportedly said that the arms were to be sold to rebels in Aceh, Indonesia.[14] The case is being prosecuted in a military court.[15]
Former combatants from the Burmese armed ethnic group Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) have alleged that they purchased mines and components from Thai businessmen who operate logging concessions in DKBA-controlled areas close to Myawaddy.[16] Another armed group leader claimed to have been approached in late 2001 by a local Thai military commander offering antipersonnel mines for sale.[17] Landmine Monitor has not been able to confirm these allegations, which would constitute violations of the Mine Ban Treaty and require action by the Thai government as a State Party.
Thailand initially held 342,695 antipersonnel mines in stockpiles. From 1999 through July 2002, Thailand destroyed 217,557 antipersonnel mines through its Stockpile Destruction Plan.[18] An additional 48,688 antipersonnel mines were destroyed in an accidental explosion at the Army Arsenal on 25 October 2001.[19] Therefore, the total number destroyed as of July 2002 was 266,245, including 186,899 after June 2001.
Of the remaining 76,450 antipersonnel mines, plans call for destruction of 20,000 in August 2002. The final 51,480 will be destroyed before the 1 May 2003 deadline set by the Mine Ban Treaty.[20]
A total of 4,970 antipersonnel mines will be kept for training and research purposes, as permitted under Article 3 of the treaty. Initially, Thailand had proposed to keep 9,487 mines.[21] According to Thailand’s Article 7 Reports, none of the mines retained for training have yet been consumed (destroyed).
Funding for destruction has came from the Royal Thai Government and a small grant from Norway.[22]
* Includes 4,970 antipersonnel mines retained for training
TMAC reported that approximately 48,688 mines were destroyed in the accidental explosion at the RTA's Third Division Ordnance department’s depot at Nong Sarai, Pak Chong district in Nakorn Ratchasima province (200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok) on 25 October 2001. In the accident 19 soldiers and civilians died and many civilians were injured. The explosion destroyed major warehouses and a large amount of artillery, and damaged warehouses, offices, barracks and surrounding civilian area. The explosion was caused by heat and chemical reaction in expired munitions during transportation to a disposal site.[24]
Two other incidents occurred. One, on 29 January 2002, was at the same arsenal during a disposal delivery.[25] The other one occurred on 17 March 2002 when a bomb (37mm) exploded at the RTA's Nong Ta Ku demolition site in Pak Chong. One soldier suffered serious injures and lost four fingers.[26] Apparently, no antipersonnel mines were destroyed in the last two accidents.[27]
All Claymore mines in stockpiles are reportedly in command-detonated mode,[28] but Landmine Monitor is not aware what steps have been taken to ensure this.
The Landmine Impact Survey completed in May 2001 identified 934 mine-contaminated areas for a total of 2,556,700,000 square meters located within 27 provinces, along the borders with Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Malaysia. A total of 530 villages were reported as seriously affected, including 295 villages along the Thai-Cambodian border in a mined area of 1,943,600,000 square meters; 90 villages along the Thai-Laotian border in a mined area of 211,500,000 square meters; 135 villages along the Thai-Burmese border in a mined area of 400,400,000 square meters; and four mine-affected communities in two southern provinces close to the border with Malaysia in a mined area of 1,200,000 square meters.[29]
Most of the areas are no longer marked; the military possesses maps of only some mined areas. One expert has commented, “The actual number of mines in Thailand is unknown. The former conflict participants are no longer available to provide information on the actual numbers of mines laid or locations. All categories of anti-personnel (AP), anti-tank (AT) mines and booby-traps are present. Numerous abandoned munition caches are found in jungle areas. These caches are especially common on the Thai-Cambodian border near the Pailin area.”[30]
Deminers have to confront numerous environmental challenges including three canopy jungles in mountainous areas, laterite soils (high ferrous content), severe weather conditions including monsoons and tropical diseases.[31] Most areas contaminated by mines and UXO are located near the borders, in forests and on mountainous terrain.
Many civilians take high risks in their daily lives as they enter mined areas to gather subsistence food, to collect firewood, and to farm. Alternative job opportunities are few, consequently the pressure to use the land is high.
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and TMAC presented the findings of their Landmine/UXO Impact Survey in Bangkok on 31 May 2001.[32] The official report due to be released in September 2001 had not been publicly distributed as of June 2002. On the basis of the Landmine Impact Survey results, and at the request of potential donors, TMAC is revising its initial 2000-2004 master plan for the period 2002-2006.[33] TMAC plans to establish two additional Humanitarian Mine Action Units for a total of five HMAUs.[34]
Following the survey, on 22 June 2001, TMAC met with governors of the 27 mine-affected provinces to discuss provincial humanitarian mine action. In January 2002, the Ministry of Interior asked the 27 provinces to coordinate necessary actions with TMAC, including the prioritization of mined areas, the mobilization of the existing territorial volunteer units as civilian demining units, and the establishment of sub-committees and operation centers on mine clearance at the district and provincial levels.[35] According to one government official, the results of the survey did not receive adequate attention because NPA distributed copies of provincial survey reports in English to governors of mine-affected provinces and TMAC did not follow-up.[36]
From July 2000 when clearance operations began, until June 2002, TMAC cleared 4,415,387 square meters of land. A total of 195,277 square meters of land has been handed over to civil authorities. In this time period, TMAC cleared 1,723 antipersonnel mines, 529 antivehicle mines, and 22,085 UXO.[37]
As of 15 February 2002, TMAC had conducted 934 rapid response operations for mine clearance and 1,269 operations for UXO clearance.[38] Other military and police patrol units have done some demining after requests made by villagers, but there is no official record of the amount of land cleared by these spot operations.
From 26 October to 20 December 2001, following the explosions at Nong Sarai Army Arsenal in Pak Chong, two teams of deminers worked on clearance of UXO and mines in a radius of over five kilometers from the explosion.[39] Emergency ordnance clearance operations in Pak Chong cleared 4,125,350 square meters of land.[40]
In Sa Kaeo province, 44,800 square meters, or 28 rai, of cleared land was handed over to local authorities on 6 March 2002.[41] The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Supreme Commander and attended by the US Ambassador to Thailand and NGO representatives. Prior to the ceremony, TMAC invited TCBL and the General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation to witness the quality assurance operations of the humanitarian demining.
TMAC cannot directly employ civilians. However, due to the great need for many more people properly trained in humanitarian demining,[42] TMAC sought and received the support of other ministries to have civilian demining teams working in coordination with military teams.[43]
TMAC held the first demining training for civilians from 23 July to 28 September 2001. The eighteen newly trained civilian deminers joined in clearance operations at Pak Chong. The General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation financially supported the civilian demining team.[44] In mid-March 2002 the civilian demining team was involved in a survey in Khok Soong district of Sa Kaeo province to prepare demining operations.[45] The civilian deminers have also been employed by the Minister of Fine Arts to clear a small area at the Sadok Khok Thom, Sa Kaeo Province, aiding the restoration of an ancient Khmer sanctuary.[46]
TMAC is seeking donor support for further training of civilian deminers, equipment, and field operations for one to two years, after which provincial budgets will support demining by civilians. TMAC intends to train two civilian demining teams in Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi provinces by the end of 2002 and requested an additional 1 million Baht (US$23,288) for this initial operation.[47]
TMAC, under the Supreme Command of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, is responsible for mine action coordination. It receives and manages domestic and international mine action funding. TMAC is revising its first master plan for 2000-2004.[48] In February 2002, TMAC issued the “First Interim - Corrected and Revised - edition of the National Plan on Humanitarian Mine Action 2002-2006.” The priorities are civilian needs, including access to schools, agricultural land, and water sources. Priorities are also to be established on the basis of the data collected by the Landmine Impact Survey, as well as in consultation with provincial and district officers, and concerned villagers.[49]
The new Master Plan includes the establishment of two new HMAUs in addition to the three HMAUs already active. Each HMAU is assigned to a geographical area: HMAU#1 in Sa Kaeo province; HMAU#2 in Chanthaburi and Trat; HMAU#3 in Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani; HMAU#4 in Petchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Tak and HMAU#5 in Ratchaburi, Petchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Prachuab Kirikhan, Loei, Udonthani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Cumporn, Yala, and Nakorn Sithammarat.[50]
On 25-27 July 2001, TMAC organized a workshop on the National Plan on Humanitarian Mine Action for 2002-2006 at the Office of the Secretary General of the Defense Ministry, in Muang Thong Thani. Eighty participants included representatives from the Supreme Command, militaries, police, NGOs, related ministries, governors and provincial administrative organizations from 27 mine-affected provinces.[51]
TMAC organized another seminar on Civilian Demining and Victim Assistance Projects on 14-15 March 2002 in Bangkok. Local government officials from the seven mine-affected Thai-Cambodian border provinces, as well as concerned central ministerial offices and NGOs, were invited to brainstorm in order to concretize the two projects. The seminar concluded with recommendations that each province should support humanitarian mine action by using existing service providers and budget, and establishing local committees to implement the projects. TMAC will be responsible for proposing the projects on civilian demining and victim assistance to the government for financial support.
From 4-8 March 2002, USHDP and TMAC sponsored the Southeast Asia Mine Action Coordination & Technical Workshop focused on demining, challenges, mistakes and better practices.[52] The Mine Action Information Center at James Madison University facilitated the meeting. Representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, and South Korea attended.
The Royal Thai Government (RTG) provided 40 million Baht (approximately US$929,152), to TMAC for mine action in FY 2001 (October 2000 - September 2001).[53] In fiscal year 2002, TMAC expects to receive a total of 32 million Baht (US$743,321) from the RTG national budget for humanitarian mine action.[54]
In 2001, the United States provided US$1.42 million, including US$1.07 million for demining equipment and US$350,000 for the mine detection dog program.[55] In addition, US Special Forces conducted two humanitarian demining training sessions at a cost of US$350,000.[56]
The United States Humanitarian Demining Program (USHDP) provided a Special Advisor to TMAC from RONCO, a private, commercial demining company. The adviser is also responsible for coordination with the US Embassy and the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG). The USHDP has been involved in training and deployment of Mine Detection Dog (MDD) teams, train the trainers programs at the Mine Dog Center, advanced training for manual deminers at Ratchaburi Demining Center, and research and development support for mechanical systems to be used in demining, such as the TEMPEST and SDTT systems.[57]
The government of Canada officially donated a Canadian-manufactured PROMAC (BDM 48) Brusher Deminer system and FIXOR explosives to HMAU1 on 23 January 2002, for an estimated value of US$340,000.[58] Previously, in May 2001, Canada had provided the BDM 48 machine for HMAU1 testing and trial use system in Sa Kaeo province. Canada reported mine action funding to Thailand in 2001 totaling US$295,972.[59]
In 2001, the Royal Thai Government received US$400,000 from Japan, originally provided in 2000 to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Mine Action. On 20 August 2001, UNDP and the RTG signed an agreement utilizing the earmarked Japanese funds for mine clearance to be completed by 31 July 2002.[60]
Norway has reported US$80,111 in mine action funding for Thailand in 2001, and Germany has reported US$22,832.[61]
The non-governmental Japan Alliance for Humanitarian Demining Support (JAHDS) provided TMAC with an advisor on logistical support for equipment and technology development.[62]
The General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation supported humanitarian demining training and clearance activities for Baht 1,000,000 (US$23,228).[63] Handicap International (Thailand) received Baht 280,000 (US$6,504) from Handicap International (HI) for mine risk education activities in Chanthaburi province. HI Thailand received also Baht 300,000 (US$6,968) from Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for mine awareness programs; and Baht 4,000,000 (US$92,915) from UNHCR for a Mine Risk Education project in the Thai-Burma border from July 2000-August 2001. HI Thailand survivor assistance projects were financed by the European Union for Baht 7,000,000 (US$162,601) and Australia for Baht 120,000.[64] COERR received Baht 120,000 (US$2,787) from the World Bank for mine awareness activities in 16 schools in Sa Kaeo and for network strengthening of survivor groups.[65] ADPC's mine awareness activities in Sa Kaeo received local funding of Baht 1,000,000 (US$23,228).[66] In 2002, The Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines is conducting a one-year survivor assistance program in Surin and Buriram provinces with the support of Baht 340,000 (US$7,897) from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. The Prosthetic Foundation of Thailand under Royal Patronage received local donations of Baht 12,000,000 (US$27,874) for survivor assistance.[67]
In 2001, TMAC’s HMAUs and three NGOs conducted mine risk education activities in mine-affected areas. However, there have been no need assessments for mine risk education following the Landmine Impact Survey.
HMAUs conducted mine awareness programs in 146 communities in Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces.[68] TMAC’s HMAU#1 reached about 46,000 persons in 61 villages, HMAU#2 reached 23,306 persons located in 29 villages, and HMAU#3 reached 22,940 people in 35 villages.[69]
From July 2000 to August 2001, the Asia Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) provided mine awareness training to 1,000 participants, mainly provincial government officials and teachers in Sa Kaeo province. The evaluation of the project suggested improvements in teaching aids, a need for the curriculum to include pictures, and information on laws prohibiting possession of weapons.[70] As a result of the evaluation, ADPC was requested to expand the project to border schools. However, ADPC has not been able to continue this project for lack of funding.
As part of the ADPC mine awareness education program, over 200 schoolchildren in Sa Kaeo province joined in the children’s art contest titled “Danger of Landmines.” Winners, selected by a committee chaired by TCBL coordinator, received certificates and scholarships at the award presentation in Sa Kaeo on 20 July 2001.[71]
In April 2000, HI began a three-year Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Mine Risk Education (MRE) project in Chanthaburi province. In 2001, the program covered 5,941 people, including 4,091 community members, 1,300 school children of primary and secondary levels, 50 government officials (teachers and public health stations), as well as 500 people outside mine-risk areas.[72] In the western part on the Thai-Burma border area, HI ran a second MRE project which included a survey on mine casualties in three refugee camps for refugees from Burma. Some 70% of the casualties interviewed reported they had not received mine awareness training.[73]
On 7 December 2001, Handicap International, together with District Administration Organizations of Khlong Yai and Thep Nimitr in Chanthaburi province and the Chanthaburi-Trat Royal Navy Base/HMAU2, organized a 15-kilometer mine ban walkathon/marathon rally in mine-affected areas of Chanthaburi province. About 1,500 local residents participated.[74]
COERR Aranyaprathet field office in Sa Kaeo province promoted mine awareness education for students in Grades 3-6 in 23 primary schools in two districts and one sub district of Sa Kaeo province. The World Bank funded the project with 44,000 Baht (US$1,022). From April 2001 to March 2002 a total of 1,500 students participated to the program and landmine survivors assisted as resource persons.[75]
According to the results of the Landmine Impact Survey, between June 1998 and May 2001, 346 new landmine casualties were recorded, more than 100 people a year.[76] Between January and May 2001, the Landmine Impact Survey recorded 30 new casualties in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan, Ratchaburi, Surin, and Tak. It is acknowledged that these figures do not reflect the picture for the whole country. Of the 30 casualties, 17 were identified as Karen or Burmese.[77] According to Major General Suksomstarn of TMAC, landmines cause only two casualties a month in Thailand, or about 24 persons per year.[78] As there is no comprehensive data on landmine casualties for 2001, the discrepancy between these figures cannot be explained.
Reports on casualties can be found in the media. For example, in January 2001, a truck driver was killed by a landmine on the side of the road after he stepped out of his truck.[79] In May 2001, in two separate incidents, one farmer was killed and another injured after stepping on landmines.[80] And on 16 December 2001, two boys, aged 7 and 8 years, were killed by a mine at the Ranger base in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province.[81] A local resident reported that mines were hidden under the tree where the children were playing.
The Mine Casualties Survey Report, Tak Province, Thailand released by Handicap International indicated that there has been a steady increase in the number of casualties along the Thai/Burma border. According to the report, “Since 1996, the number of mine casualties had a tendency to increase every year. By 1999, it reduced a little and in 2000 rose to the highest level of 22 cases. In the year 2001, for the two months of data collection (January and February) there were 10 casualties already.”[82] Mine survivors, most of who were from Burma but now residing in refugee camps along the border in Tak province, were surveyed. The goal of the project is to establish a reporting system where casualty data is collected and transmitted to the Ministry of Public Health or its equivalent for analysis and distribution.[83]
HI has now established a reporting system with Thai border hospitals in order to improve data collection on landmine casualties in Tak province. HI receives information from three Thai hospitals and sub-district health stations in the refugee camps. The casualties, or their family, are traced and interviewed by HI staff. In the period January to April 2002, nineteen new casualties were reported, including two people killed and seventeen injured. Three of the casualties were female, and sixteen were males. The youngest casualty was a seven-year-old child. Fourteen of the casualties were the result of incidents on the Burma side of the border.[84]
As of June 2002, TMAC’s HMAU reporting system was still not operational. It is intended that the HMA units will collect reports on incidents and casualties and transmit the information to the IMSMA database at TMAC. Although no reports were collected on the western border, on the eastern border two incidents were reported on one day. On 4 February 2002, two new casualties were reported: one in Taphraya district of Sa Kaeo province and the other in None Din Daeng, Buriram province.[85] In another reported incident, on 3 March 2002, in the Thai/Burma border district of Tha Song Yang in Tak province, four schoolgirls triggered a landmine while gathering vegetables. One girl was killed and the other three were injured and taken to Mae Sot Hospital.[86]
Medical and rehabilitation services in Thailand are available in both state and privately owned hospitals and health care units, functioning at the provincial, district, and community levels.[87] Generally, assistance available to landmine survivors is adequate; however, most come from very poor farming families who can experience difficulties coping with the costs of care and rehabilitation.
Landmine Monitor received 24 responses to a questionnaire on survivor assistance sent to sixty-nine district and regional hospitals, and concerned organizations in mine-affected areas. In general, most organizations were able to provide figures on mine survivors assisted, while few hospitals were able to, due to the lack of a built-in data collection system on landmine casualties. Public hospitals and rehabilitation centers identified 61 landmine survivors assisted with medical care and walking aids in 2001.[88]
TMAC is considered the focal point for victim assistance in Thailand. In 2001, TMAC assisted 335 landmine survivors by facilitating transfers to hospitals, mobile prosthetic units, and vocational training centers.[89]
In 2001, the Prosthetic Foundation provided mobile prosthetic services in remote provinces: 1,746 free-of-charge prostheses were fitted for 1,140 beneficiaries, including 211 landmine survivors. In 2002, the program will establish five mobile units in four different provinces and one of the largest state hospitals in Bangkok.[90] Over the last ten years, almost 10,500 prostheses have been produced. By using local materials, the foundation is able to make prostheses, designed for local weather conditions and practices, for 1,000 Baht (US$23.22), six times cheaper than imported versions.[91]
Handicap International has opened fifteen orthopedic workshops in Thai provincial hospitals since 1982. Since 1998, HI has operated community-based rehabilitation, and orthopedic workshops, in four refugee camps along the Thai/Burma border to assist all persons with disabilities including landmine survivors. Refugee technicians are trained in the production of prostheses, and produce around forty devices a month. HI’s program also includes the distribution of wheelchairs and vocational training. In 2001, 119 landmine survivors benefited from the program.[92]
COERR continued to assist the Network of Landmine Survivors in Sa Kaeo province to run income-generating projects with revolving funds. In 2001, 179 families of landmine survivors benefited from the program.[93]
On 2 January 2002, the TCBL started a one-year project in Surin and Buriram provinces, which includes community-based survivor assistance, empowerment, mine awareness, and the setting up of a small revolving loan fund. In addition, the project intends to establish a database of survivors to complement the TMAC national incident database.
Landmine survivors from Burma seeking assistance in Thailand receive medical care from hospitals in the refugee camps and public district hospitals in the Thai/Burma border provinces, including Tak, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, and Chumporn. Most of the landmine casualties are amputees.[94]
A national disability law has been in place since 1991.[95] At the request of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the Cabinet announced that the year 2002 is dedicated to the promotion of professions for persons with disabilities (PWDs).[96] The budget for 2002 is seven million Baht (US$162,601). PWDs and PWD associations can apply for support from the National Office for Rehabilitation of PWDs, or from provincial public welfare offices.[97] On 28 November 2001, the Council of Disabled People of Thailand and its network organizations, led about 1,000 persons with disabilities to Government House, the Parliament, and the National Ombudsman's office, to protest discrimination in employment opportunities for PWDs, and urged the government to amend over 50 laws that discriminate against PWDs, and to speed up the issuing of delayed ministerial regulations on the provision of facilities for PWDs.[98]
At the South East Asia Regional Conference on Victim Assistance held in Bangkok on 6-8 November 2001, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, elder sister to His Majesty the King, addressed the official Opening Ceremony. The Conference was an initiative of Handicap International aimed to raise awareness of the needs of mine survivors and to assist countries in the region in the development of national plans of actions. Participants from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, and observers from Myanmar attended the Conference. Preparations in Thailand for the regional conference included five pre-workshop planning sessions, and a national workshop held on 26 September 2001. HI and other NGOs continue to network on survivor assistance policies.
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[1] Thailand's first three Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Reports (10 November 1999, 2 May 2000, and 10 November 2001) all cite three relevant laws: Act on the Export Control of Armaments and Materials of B.E. 2495 (1952); Act on Firearms, ammunition, explosive articles and fireworks of B.E. 2490 (1947); Decree on the Export Control of Armaments and Materials of B.E. 2535 (1992). They also cite the publication in the Government Gazette, on 6 July 1999, on the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty for Thailand.
[2] The report updated information for Forms B-G, but did not include any information for Forms A (national implementation measures), H (technical characteristics of mines), I (measures to provided warning to the population), or voluntary Form J (other relevant matters, such as victim assistance programs).
[3] Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the UN Office in Geneva, “Statement by the Acting Head of the Thai Delegation to the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention,” Managua, Nicaragua, 18 September 2001.
[4] The Philippines, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form I, 5 April 2002.
[5] H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office in Geneva, “Statement by the Head of Thai delegation to the SC meeting on the General Status and Operation of the Convention,” Geneva, 28 January 2002. The Thai Cabinet approved the proposal to serve as host of the 5MSP in 2003 on 20 November 2001, http://www.cabinet.thaigov.go.th/cc_main21.htm, Cabinet’s Resolution on 20 November 2001 (in Thai language), accessed on 18 December 2001.
[6] Press Release by the Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines, Bangkok, 15 May 2002.
[7] Telephone interview with a Department of International Organizations official, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, 6 February 2002.
[8] Email from Hathaikhan Yamali, Second Secretary, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, 14 February 2002.
[9] Siriphen Limsirikul, “Chavalit assures Thai Government’s readiness to help ban landmines” (in Thai language), Udomsarn Weekly (Catholic Church Weekly Newspaper), 1-5 January 2002.
[10] Telephone interview with Maj. Gen. Thammasak Senivongse, Deputy Director, Bangkok, 17 December 2001.
[11] In the previous reporting period, Thai officials had accused Myanmar forces of laying mines inside of Thailand, particularly in early 2001. See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 482.
[12] A number of sources have identified Thailand as a past producer. For details see Landmine Monitor Report 1999, p. 376.
[13] Telephone Interview with Col. Surapon Suwanawong, Assistant Director of TMAC (Operations), Bangkok, 26 March 2002.
[14] “Two army personnel captured in stealing weapons to sell to Aceh Non-state Actors in Indonesia” (in Thai language), Matichon Weekly (local magazine), 14-20 May 2001.
[15] Telephone interview with Police Maj. Charoen Thammakhan, Chief Investigator in charge of the case, Songkhla District Police Station, Songkhla Province, 12 March 2002.
[16] Landmine Monitor Burma researcher interview with former Democratic Karen Buddhist Army members, Thay Ka Ya village, Burma, 30 November 2001.
[17] Landmine Monitor Burma researcher interview with ethnic group leader, Chaing Mai, Thailand, November 2001.
[18] “Thailand’s Lessons Learned to Pursue the Ottawa Convention,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Director General of TMAC, to the Second Standing Committee Meeting, Geneva, 27-31 May 2002. Information on the destructions from April-July 2002 was provided in a telephone interview with Col. Surapon Suwanawong, Assistant Director of TMAC (Operations), Bangkok, 23 July 2002.
[19] “Thailand’s Lessons Learned to Pursue the Ottawa Convention,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 27-31 May 2002, and “APL Stockpiling and Destruction in Thailand,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 30 May 2002.
[20] “Thailand’s Lessons Learned to Pursue the Ottawa Convention,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 27-31 May 2002.
[21] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 480. The decision to reduce the number was made in November 2000.
[22] Landmine Monitor Mine Action questionnaire completed by Operations and Evaluation Office, Thailand Mine Action Center, Bangkok, 5 February 2002.
[23] Faxes (in Thai language) from Col. Surapon Suwanawong, Assistant Director of TMAC (Operations), 18 and 19 January 2002; telephone interview with Col. Surapon Suwanawong, 23 July 2002.
[24] “Army Arsenal Explosion-Town in fear of more blasts,” The Nation, 26 October 2001; “Munitions Explosions-Old explosives self-ignited, army concludes,” Bangkok Post, 29 October 2001; TMAC, “Details of TMAC’s Efforts Assisting at Nong Sarai, Pak Chong district, Nakorn Ratchasima province” (in Thai language), TMAC Newsletter, November 2001; “APL Stockpiling and Destruction in Thailand,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 30 May 2002.
[25] Bangkok Post reporters, “Munitions Explosions - Pak Chong blows up again,” Bangkok Post, 30 January 2002; “Army Munitions Blasts - Pak Chong erupts again,” The Nation, 30 January 2002; “40,000 explosives waiting to be blasted again! In shock, Defense Minister ordered urgent destruction” (in Thai language), Matichon Daily Newspaper, 30 January 2002; Anan Paengnoy, “Arsenal Blasts - Villagers prepare for ‘the next time’,” Bangkok Post, 31 January 2002; Wassana Nanuam and Yuwadee Tunyasiri, “Surayud willing to take blame - Chavalit says he is likely to be spared,” Bangkok Post, 2 February 2002; Wassana Nanuam, “Military Arsenal - Army set to boost security,” Bangkok Post, 3 February 2002.
[26] “Munitions Explosion - Pak Chong clean-up ends,” Bangkok Post, 28 February 2002; “Munitions Dump - Explosion at clearing site, soldier hurt,” Bangkok Post, 18 March 2002.
[27] However, in one of his two statements to the Standing Committees in May 2002, MG Suksomstarn said that the 48,688 mines were destroyed on both 25 October 2001 and 29 January 2002. “Thailand’s Lessons Learned to Pursue the Ottawa Convention,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 27-31 May 2002. His other statement mentioned only the 25 October 2001 incident. “APL Stockpiling and Destruction in Thailand,” Statement by MG Gitti Suksomstarn, Geneva, 30 May 2002.
[28] Telephone Interview with Col. Surapon Suwanawong, Assistant Director of TMAC (Operations), TMAC, Bangkok, 26 March 2002.
[29] Dr. Guy Rhodes, Norwegian People’s Aid, Presentation of Results of Landmine Impact Survey for Thailand, Bangkok, 31 May 2001.
[30] Dave McCracken (ed.), Humanitarian Demining Operations in Thailand, TMAC/USHDP Thailand, Bangkok, March 2002, p. 3.
[31] Ibid.
[32] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 483-484, for background on the survey.
[33] Interviews with two senior TMAC personnel, Bangkok, 1 February 2002.
[34] Interview with Maj. Gen. Gitti Suksomstarn, TMAC Director General, TMAC, Bangkok, 22 March 2002; Thailand Mine Action Center, “Memorandum requesting permission from Supreme Command on adjusting plan on establishment of HMAUs” (in Thai language), 30 August 2001; and TMAC, “First Interim Corrected and Revised edition of the National Mine Action Master Plan 2002-2006,” (in Thai language) February 2002. Initial plans had called for a total of eight HMAUs. The reduction in number of HMAUs reflects a lack of international funding.
[35] Letter to Director General of TMAC from Secretary General of Ministry of Interior, on targeting of the mine-affected areas, 29 January 2002.
[36] Interview with a government official from Buriram province, Seminar on Civilian Demining and Victim Assistance Projects in Thai-Cambodian border provinces, Bangkok, 14 March 2002.
[37] Email from David McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, 29 July 2002. This contained a chart on HMAU#1 and #2 Demining Progress until June 2002.
[38] Email from David McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, 12 March 2002.
[39] Major Surin Priyanuphap, HMAU1 personnel, Presentation on HMAU1, at the Hand-over Ceremony of PROMAC (BDM-48) and Explosives, Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Sa Kaeo Province, 23 January 2002.
[40] Email from David McCracken, USHDP Advisor TMAC, 12 March 2002.
[41] Maj. Gen. Gitti Suksomstarn, TMAC Director General, Speech in the Hand-over Ceremony, Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Sa Kaeo Province, 6 March 2002.
[42] This issue was discussed in presentations and working groups at the Southeast Asia Mine Action Cooperation and Technical Conference organized by USHDP and TMAC from 4-8 March 2002, Bangkok.
[43] Interview with Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, Bangkok, 18 March 2002. He also said that potential donors expressed support for civilian participation in humanitarian mine action.
[44] Interview with Suthikiat Sopanik, Director of General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation, Bangkok, 29 November 2001; and at Sa Kaeo Province, 23 January 2002.
[45] Suthikiat Sopanik, Director of General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation, Presentation at the SE Asia Mine Action Cooperation and Technology Workshop, Bangkok, 7 March 2002; telephone interview with Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, Bangkok, 20 March 2002.
[46] Email from Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, Bangkok, 29 July 2002.
[47] Interview with Maj. Gen. Gitti Suksomstarn, TMAC Director General, Bangkok, 22 March 2002.
[48] Thailand Mine Action Center, “Corporate Plan - Establishing A Strong Mine Action Institutional Framework for Thailand,” Second Draft, 26 December 2001.
[49] Interview with Maj. Gen. Gitti Suksomstarn, TMAC Director General, Bangkok, 22 March 2002.
[50] Thailand Mine Action Center, “First Interim Corrected and Revised edition of the National Mine Action Master Plan 2002-2006,” Addendum on Adjusted Establishment Plan on Humanitarian Mine Action Units, Chapters 8.1-8.2, and 9.1, (in Thai language), February 2002.
[51] Thailand Mine Action Center, Monthly Report on Activities (in Thai language), July 2001.
[52] Email from Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, 29 January 2002 and 18 March 2002.
[53] Information from TMAC, prepared by George Focsaneanu, UNDP Senior Advisor to TMAC, 8 January 2002.
[54] Interview with a senior TMAC personnel, TMAC, Bangkok, 1 February 2002.
[55] US Department of State, “To Walk the Earth in Safety,” November 2001, p. 20.
[56] Email from George P. Kent, Political Section, US Embassy, Bangkok, 25 March 2002; emails from Maj. Scott Elder, JUSMAG, 27 and 28 March 2002.
[57] Email from Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, 18 March 2002.
[58] Telephone interview with James Trottier, Political Economic Counselor, Canadian Embassy, Bangkok, 22 March 2002; Pattanapong Hirunard, “Dealing with the mine threat,” Bangkok Post, 24 January 2002.
[59] UNMAS Mine Action Investment Database.
[60] Press Release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, 20 August 2001; interview with George Focsaneanu, UNDP Senior Advisor to TMAC, Bangkok, 22 March 2002.
[61] UNMAS Mine Action Database.
[62] Interview with Yamada Shinichi, JAHDS Thailand representative, Bangkok, 22 March 2002, and telephone follow-up, 26 March 2002.
[63] Interviews with Suthikiat Sopanik, Director of General Chatichai Choonhavan Foundation, Bangkok, 22 and 25 March 2002.
[64] Interview with Duangkamol Ponchamni, Director of Programs in Thailand, Handicap International, 22 March 2002; Email to Duangkamol Ponchamni, Director of HI Thailand, from Siriphen Limsirikul, Landmine Monitor 2002 researcher, with request for clarification of funding periods, 26 March 2002.
[65] Sukpranee Deerada, Project Officer of COERR Aranyaprathet Field Office, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, “Landmine Monitor 2002 Thailand questionnaires on Mine Awareness/Risk Education, and on Survivor Assistance 2001,” 28 December 2001.
[66] Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, “Summary Project Report on Results of Training Program on Mine Risk along the Border” (in Thai language), November 2001; Sirikahn Khahattha, Government Relations Officer, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Reply to Landmine Monitor 2002 questionnaire on Mine Awareness/Risk Education 2001, 8 January 2002.
[67] Assoc. Prof. Therdchai Jivacate, MD, Director General, Prosthetic Foundation, Chiang Mai Province, in response to the questionnaire on Survivor Assistance, 7 January 2002.
[68] Landmine Monitor 2002 Questionnaire on Mine Action, completed by TMAC, 4 February 2002.
[69] Emails from Dave McCracken, USHDP Advisor to TMAC, 12 March 2002 and 29 July 2002.
[70] Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, “Summary Project Report on Results of Training Program on Mine Risk along the Border” (in Thai language), November 2001.
[71] Photograph with caption “The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre Foundation (ADPC) held a children’s art contest titled ‘Danger of Landmines’ with judging taking place at the Government House on 20 June 2001,” Society- Outlook section, Bangkok Post, 4 July 2001.
[72] Fax from Supotch Boontem, Cambodian Border Programme Manager, Handicap International, “Landmine Monitor 2002 Thailand questionnaire on Mine Awareness/Risk Education 2001,” 18 March 2002.
[73] Handicap International (Thailand), Mine Casualties Survey Report, Tak Province, Thailand - Mine Risk Education Project Thai-Myanmar Border, (Bangkok, August 2001), p. E14.
[74] Interview with Duangkamol Ponchamni, Director of Programs in Thailand, Handicap International, Civilian Demining and Victim Assistance Projects in Thai-Cambodian border provinces, Bangkok, 14 March 2002.
[75] Telephone interview with Sukpranee Deerada, Project Officer of COERR Aranyaprathet Field Office, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, 27 March 2002; Sukpranee Deerada, Project Officer of COERR Aranyaprathet Field Office, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, “Landmine Monitor 2002 Thailand questionnaire on Mine Awareness/Risk Education 2001,” 28 December 2001.
[76] For more details Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 489.
[77] Email from Ruangdech Poungprom, Database Office, TMAC, 8 July 2002.
[78] Maj. Gen. Gitti Suksomstarn, TMAC Director General, Opening Remarks at the Southeast Asia Landmines Cooperation and Technical Workshop, Bangkok, Thailand, 4 March 2002.
[79] “Army to blast 20,000 mines,” Bangkok Post, 17 January 2001.
[80] James East, “Meet the new air-con mine buster,” The Straits Times, 9 June 2001.
[81] “2 boys killed while playing with explosive at Army base,” (in Thai language), Matichon Daily Newspaper, 17 December 2001.
[82] Handicap International, Mine Casualties Survey Report, Tak Province, Thailand - Mine Risk Education Project Thai-Myanmar Border, Bangkok, August 2001, p. E6.
[83] HI, Mine Casualties Survey Report, Tak Province, Thailand - Mine Risk Education Project Thai-Myanmar Border, Bangkok, August 2001, p. E14.
[84] Fax from Saowaluk Sae-Tang, Mine Risk Education Project Manager, Handicap International, Mae Sot, 15 May 2002.
[85] Interview with Ruangdech Poungprom, Database Manager, TMAC (civilian official in-charge of IMSMA database), at the SE Asia Mine Action Workshop, Bangkok, 8 March 2002.
[86] “Mae Sot - Schoolgirls trigger landmine,” The Nation, 5 March 2002.
[87] For more details see Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 443.
[88] Responses from twenty hospitals and the Sirindhorn National Center for Medical Rehabilitation to Landmine Monitor Survivor Assistance Questionnaire.
[89] Statistics collated from various information provided to Landmine Monitor by TMAC.
[90] Associate Professor Therdchai Jivacate, MD, Director General, Prosthetic Foundation, Chiang Mai Province, in response to Landmine Monitor Survivor Assistance Questionnaire, 7 January 2002.
[91] Saritdet Marukatat and Woranuj Maneerungsee, “Ready for a leap - Innovative, inexpensive, locally-produced artificial legs may be set to step into the global marketplace,” Bangkok Post Outlook, 20 March 2002.
[92] Portfolio of Landmine Victim Assistance Programs, ICBL, September 2001, p. 112 ; and response to Landmine Monitor Survivor Assistance Questionnaire by Supotch Boontem, Handicap International, Chanthaburi, 18 March 2002.
[93] Portfolio of Landmine Victim Assistance Programs, ICBL, September 2001, p. 111; and response to Landmine Monitor Survivor Assistance Questionnaire by Sukpranee Deerada, COERR, Aranyaprathet District, 28 December 2001.
[94] HI (Thailand), Mine Casualties Survey Report, Tak Province, Thailand - Mine Risk Education Project Thai-Myanmar Border, Bangkok, August 2001, pp. E12-14.
[95] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 491.
[96] Cabinet Resolution, 9 October 2001 (in Thai language), at http://www.cabinet.thaigov.go.th/cc_main21.htm accessed on 18 March 2002.
[97] Interview with an official from the Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand, Bangkok, 18 March 2002.
[98] Council of Disabled People of Thailand, Newsletter, November 2001 (in Thai language), pp. 1-2; Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand, Newsletter, January-February 2002 (in Thai language), p. 4.
