25 July 2008MCOT (Thailand)
A tragedy earlier this month when a Thai soldier on patrol stepped on a landmine near the Preah Vihear temple, has prompted Thai authorities to conduct mine clearance operations on the Thai-Cambodian border. It seems like a never-ending job for them. Let’s find out more details in this report from the Thai News Agency.
For the past few weeks, Thai officials from the National Centre for Demining Operations have been dispatched to detect and destroy landmines in the disputed area, covering four square kilometres near Preah Vihear temple. The operations were launched to ensure safety for Thai military forces beefed up on the Thai-Cambodian border during the ongoing tension between the two neighbouring countries.
Thai authorities suspected an area of three million square metres near the temple had been sowed with landmines during decades of civil war in Cambodia which coincided with the height of Thailand’s offensive against communist insurgency. Also detected in the area were anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
Lt. Gen. Sathit Chatuwong, mine detection expert said “We keep villagers informed about our operations. Thai officials have continued their mission in locating and destroying landmines. We also erected signs to warn local residents of possible danger.”
Once a landmine is detected, an alarm is heard and officials immediately announce the area off-limits to enable them to defuse and destroy the mine. In Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket, about 30 villagers in Sao Thong Chai district were recently injured after stepping on landmines. A team of soldiers was later dispatched to demine the village. Nowadays, villagers say they are no more reluctant to work on their farms or collect forest produce.
Rien Chaibunsri, a villager said “I feel safe collecting bamboo shoots and mushrooms these days after soldiers combed the area for landmines. Life is better for we can make a living as normal.”
Authorities have estimated the areas in Thailand where landmines have been deployed cover about 2,500 square kilometers. Ironically enough, only 50 square kilometres have been combed and cleared from the explosive devices, representing only 20 per cent of the total areas along the Thai –Cambodia border. It definitely is an uphill task but the mission will continue.
For the past few weeks, Thai officials from the National Centre for Demining Operations have been dispatched to detect and destroy landmines in the disputed area, covering four square kilometres near Preah Vihear temple. The operations were launched to ensure safety for Thai military forces beefed up on the Thai-Cambodian border during the ongoing tension between the two neighbouring countries.
Thai authorities suspected an area of three million square metres near the temple had been sowed with landmines during decades of civil war in Cambodia which coincided with the height of Thailand’s offensive against communist insurgency. Also detected in the area were anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
Lt. Gen. Sathit Chatuwong, mine detection expert said “We keep villagers informed about our operations. Thai officials have continued their mission in locating and destroying landmines. We also erected signs to warn local residents of possible danger.”
Once a landmine is detected, an alarm is heard and officials immediately announce the area off-limits to enable them to defuse and destroy the mine. In Thailand’s northeastern province of Si Sa Ket, about 30 villagers in Sao Thong Chai district were recently injured after stepping on landmines. A team of soldiers was later dispatched to demine the village. Nowadays, villagers say they are no more reluctant to work on their farms or collect forest produce.
Rien Chaibunsri, a villager said “I feel safe collecting bamboo shoots and mushrooms these days after soldiers combed the area for landmines. Life is better for we can make a living as normal.”
Authorities have estimated the areas in Thailand where landmines have been deployed cover about 2,500 square kilometers. Ironically enough, only 50 square kilometres have been combed and cleared from the explosive devices, representing only 20 per cent of the total areas along the Thai –Cambodia border. It definitely is an uphill task but the mission will continue.
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