THAILAND-MYANMAR BORDER

The Thailand-Myanmar border was surveyed between January and April 2001, in collaboration with civilian and military authorities. A total of 874 communities were visited and 1,600 people were interviewed. The Thailand Landmine Impact Survey identified nine (9) provinces affected by the presence of landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO): Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Ratchaburi, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan, and Chumpon. Along the Thailand-Myanmar border, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are the most highly affected provinces. 139 communities with a population of 230,000 suffer adverse social-economic impacts.

A total of 541 victims were recorded. 150 people were reported injured during the last 24 months. Most victims were adult men, mostly farmers. The main activity leading to accidents was collecting forest resources along the border. In the camps for displaced people, 83 recent victims were identified, and most of these survivors were injured in Myanmar and later treated in Thai hospitals.

Most areas contaminated by landmines and UXO are located near the border with Myanmar. A total of 240 dangerous areas were reported. Landmines and UXO restrict safe access to forest resources, and to a lesser degree, safe access to cropland and pasture.