Sa kaeo: Today, two additional PMN buoys were discovered in the Nong Ya Kaeo area, expanding the safe zone by 15,042 square meters. The ongoing operation is set to continue in Ban Nong Chan as part of the mine-clearing efforts initiated after the area was reclaimed following a five-day battle at the end of July.
According to Thai News Agency, the Burapha Task Force, through Task Force 12, reported the discovery of landmines in the Ban Nong Ya Kaew operational area on October 12, 2015. The mines found were PMN anti-personnel mines, ready for use. The recovery process was completed following the established procedures.
From October 10 to October 12, 2015, a total of five PMN-type anti-personnel mines were discovered, all in working condition. Lt. Col. Sarawut Sarathongthian, commander of the 2nd Engineer Battalion, Task Force 12, Burapha Force, 1st Army Area Operations Center, outlined the plan to clear the remaining mines in the Nong Ya area of Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province. The operation involves clearing additional grass and deploying personnel to identify any remaining mines.
The unsafe area at Nong Ya Kaew, designated as the red zone, covers approximately 102,874 square meters, divided into four zones. Zone A, with about 29,726 square meters, is currently undergoing mine detection and clearance efforts. To date, 15,042 square meters have been reclaimed, with the remaining area expected to be cleared within a week, weather permitting. Safety of personnel remains a priority throughout the operation.
Col. Phichchayut Phromtho, Deputy Chief of Staff of the First Army Region, mentioned that the area of Ban Nong Ya Kaew is part of the UDD’s annual plan for humanitarian mine action, aligning with Thailand’s humanitarian demining operations. The plan, already submitted to Ottawa, faced years of obstruction from Cambodia, preventing operations until recently.
Weather, particularly rain, presents a significant challenge to the demining efforts, with the entire operation projected to last approximately one week. Once the Nong Ya Kaew area is cleared, efforts will shift to Ban Nong Chan.
In response to questions about the mission’s implications for Thai sovereignty, Colonel Phichchayut described the operation as a stepping stone, adhering to established procedures. He highlighted the importance of rehearsing evacuation plans at the provincial level.
Addressing the landmine findings, the Deputy Chief of Staff affirmed that this situation falls within the terms of an existing agreement. Thailand, claiming sovereign rights, proceeds without seeking permission but submits written notifications to avoid misunderstandings. Cambodia has previously contested the area, but Thailand is moving forward to ensure safety and reclaim its territory.