Landmines in Thailand and the Role of National and International Agencies from 1997 to 2025

Abstract

This paper examines Thailand’s efforts to address landmine contamination between 1997 and 2025 within the framework of the Mine Ban Treaty and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Although Thailand ratified the Ottawa Convention in 1998 and established the National Mine Action Committee (NMAC) and the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) to coordinate demining, significant challenges remain. Using qualitative methods that combine document analysis and key informant interviews, the study explores the roles of national institutions, international organizations, and civil society in mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance. The findings reveal that Thailand has made substantial progress in reducing landmine contamination and casualties through cooperation with international actors such as the ICRC, Handicap International, and Norwegian People’s Aid. However, gaps persist due to the absence of comprehensive domestic legislation, inconsistent funding, and limited awareness in remote border areas. The study concludes that Thailand’s success in achieving a mine-free status depends on translating international commitments into enforceable national policies, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and fostering cross-border cooperation. By embedding mine action within the broader human security agenda, Thailand can enhance compliance with IHL and ensure sustainable protection for its border communities.