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.
MINE BAN POLICY
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 Report2001
with the addition of landmine victim stories from each ASEAN country. The
publication was partially financed by TMAC and
UNDP.[10]
USE, PRODUCTION, AND TRANSFER
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.
STOCKPILING AND DESTRUCTION
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]
Antipersonnel Mines Destroyed Since Landmine Monitor Report
2001[23]
Location of Destruction
Date of Destruction
Number of APMs Destroyed
APMs Remaining in Stock*
Ratchaburi (RTA)
27 Aug-13 Sep 2001
13,982
249,367
Nakorn Sawan (RTA)
27 Aug-24 Sep 2001
20,000
229,367
Lopburi (RTAF)
7 Aug 2001
2,618
226,749
Border Patrol Police Sites in Chanthaburi, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chiang Mai, and
Song Khla (National Police Bureau)
Accidental Blasts: Pak Chong RTA Arsenal, Nakorn Ratchasima
Lopburi (RTA)
2-26 Apr 2002
20,000
156,450
Nakorn Sawan (RTA)
1-25 May 2002
20,000
136,450
Ratchaburi (RTA)
3-27 Jun 2002
20,000
116,450
Ratchaburi (RTA)
2-26 Jul 2002
20,000
96,450
Nakorn Sawan (RTA)
2-26 Jul 2002
20,000
76,450
Total
186,899
76,450*
* 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.
LANDMINE PROBLEM
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.
SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS
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]
MINE CLEARANCE
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]
COORDINATION AND PLANNING
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.
MINE ACTION FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE
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]
MINE RISK EDUCATION
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]
LANDMINE CASUALTIES
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
newcasualties 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]
SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE
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]
DISABILITY POLICY AND PRACTICE
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.
[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.
About Us
Our Research Products
