Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - CMAC, Thais join forces to clear mines at border provinces

CMAC, Thais join forces to clear mines at border provinces

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) had signed an agreement to cooperate in clearing mines and UXO along the border on Tuesday. CMAC

CMAC, Thais join forces to clear mines at border provinces

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) jointly surveyed locations along the border on Tuesday to clear mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Banteay Meanchey province and Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, having signed an agreement specifying where to carry out their work.

CMAC director-general Heng Ratana told The Post on Tuesday that technical committees from the two countries had signed an agreement to cooperate in clearing mines and UXO along the border to contribute to both nations’ development interests.

Ratana said that in the Thai-Cambodian agreement, the Cambodian side selected key locations in Banteay Meanchey’s Poipet and Malai districts, while the Thais chose areas in Tha Kham sub-district in Sa Kaeo province’s Aranyaprathet district.

“The clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance is taking place with respect to both countries’ territorial integrity.

“CMAC and TMAC are not using joint equipment, but because we have chosen minefields in areas so close to each other’s countries, it is beneficial that we exchange technical experience with each other in real-time,” he said.

Ratana said clearance work was being conducted by CMAC and TMAC units under directives made by the Cambodian-Thai General Border Commission created by the two governments.

Banteay Meanchey CMAC head Sam Vireak told The Post that Cambodia was ready to clear 126ha in 14 locations 300m to 500m from the border and that they were in four communes in Poipet and Malai districts.

“These areas are scattered with anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.

“Some of these areas are on villagers’ farmland and pose a real threat to local people. Once we have cleared the land, farmers will be able to expand their cultivation areas,” Vireak said.

He said Banteay Meanchey province had landmines on 35,897ha, of which 18,077ha had already been cleared.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the