United States and Thailand Establish Joint Landmine Removal Facility
Thailand witnesses the inauguration of a new Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions, envisioned to boost regional demining efforts, in a collaborative venture between Thailand's Mine Action Center (TMAC) and the United States Department of Defense.
The dedication of this facility in Ratchaburi not only enhances humanitarian demining action in the region but is also indicative of the resilient US-Thai defense alliance, as stated in a communique from the US Embassy in Bangkok.
The opening ceremony was graced by high-ranking military officials from both countries. On this momentous occasion, the US Department of Defense's Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (HD R&D) program presented TMAC with a GCS-200 demining machine.
US Marines from the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company will provide training on the equipment until the 25th of this month. This training hub will serve as the primary venue for TMAC-led and US-supported training of Thai forces and landmine removal teams under the Marine Forces Pacific (Marforpoac) Humanitarian Mine Action Program. TMAC intends to extend the facility's mission to train international mine action organizations in the near future.
For years, US marines have provided training to TMAC personnel, focusing on detection, demining, and landmine casualty care. The HD R&D program has been instrumental in bolstering TMAC's capabilities, contributing equipment including MineWolf mechanical demining systems, armored vehicles, survivors' tractors, and tool attachments, among other resources [1][4].
The latest contributions to the center encompass Minelab mine detectors, medical and demining training tools, and financial assistance for infrastructure upgrades to expand training capacity. These additions establish the center as a preeminent facility for Thailand and the wider region, observers note [1][4].
The US statement underscores Thailand's leadership in humanitarian mine action, grounded in TMAC's commitment, setting a standard for the region [1][4]. The program also boosts US Marine operational readiness by providing real-world demining training, fostering bilateral interoperability.
As Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Kieu puts it, "This center signifies more than a facility; it symbolizes our joint commitment to a safer future. Through sustained cooperation, we are advancing Thailand's national security and humanitarian goals while promoting regional stability" [1].
By eliminating landmines, the center ensures the safety of communities and returns productive land to use [1]. The opening of the US-Thailand Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions signifies a significant stride forward in regional and international cooperation on humanitarian demining, demonstrating the powerful partnership between the US and Thailand in fostering a safer future across the region.
[1] Source for most information and quotes: US Embassy in Thailand Press Release: https://th.usembassy.gov/us-thailand-center-of-excellence-on-humanitarian-demining-missions-opens-in-ratchaburi/[4] Source: US Marine Corps website: https://www.mccoek.marines.mil/Organizations/Expeditionary-Combat-Command/3rd-Marine-Regiment/3rd-Engineer-Support-Batch/9th-Engineer-Support-Batallion/3rd-Explosive-Ordnance-Disposal-Company/
- The new Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions in Ratchaburi incorporates advanced technology, such as the GCS-200 demining machine provided by the US Department of Defense's Humanitarian Demining Research and Development program.
- The expanded training capacity of the center is enhanced with the addition of modern equipment like Minelab mine detectors, medical and demining training tools, and resources such as MineWolf mechanical demining systems and armored vehicles, which are all classified under technology.
