Mine Action in Thailand

Royal Thai Government recognized that landmines are and will continue to be a major obstacle to development and economic growth in rural border communities. The Royal Thai Army & Navy started demining areas along the borders in 1987.

Acknowledging the negative effects of landmines the Royal Thai Government signed the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty on 3
December 1997.

On 27 November 1998, Thailand deposited its ratification instrument at the United Nations, becoming the fifty-third nation, and first in Southeast Asia to ratify the Mine Ban Treaty.

In August 1998 the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand appointed the National Mine Action Committee (NMAC). NMAC was formed to address the landmine issue under the direction and chairmanship of the Prime Minister. NMAC membership consists of all major Government Ministies and Departments of the Royal Thai Government (RTG).

NMAC monitors the obligations set forth by the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty and develops policy for developing National Strategic objectives including:

• Implementation of law prohibiting the use of anti-personel landmines
• Implement Demining operations
• Set a minimum quantity of anti-personel landmines in the country for the purpose of education and demining only
• Coordinate national support and international community support
• Disseminate information and provide a safe environment to those people affected by anti-personnel landmines

NMAC established the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) on 18 January 1999, located in Don Muang, Bangkok. TMAC serves as central coordination agency for all landmine issues and operations in Thailand.