Ratchaburi, Thailand: On May 27, 2025, the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense, inaugurated its new Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions. This development marks a significant step forward in regional humanitarian mine action and underscores the ongoing U.S.-Thai defense cooperation.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent military figures from both countries. Among them were General Ukris Boontanonhdha, Deputy Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces; General Saksit Sangchanintra, Director of TMAC; Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Kieu from JUSMAGTHAI (Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand); and Lieutenant Colonel Tibayan Isaac from the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
To commemorate the opening, the U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program provided a GCS-200 demining machine to TMAC. The equipment's delivery coincided with the center's official launch. Additionally, U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa will assist with training at the facility from May 18-30, 2025.
This new center is set to become a central hub for TMAC-led and U.S.-supported training programs for Thai forces and landmine removal teams under the Marine Forces Pacific Humanitarian Mine Action Program. TMAC also plans to extend its mission to include international mine action organizations.
Since 2012, under this program, U.S. Marines have been offering extensive training to TMAC personnel on various aspects such as detection and casualty care related to landmines. Equipment contributions over time have included MineWolf mechanical systems and other specialized vehicles and tools that enhance demining capabilities.
Recent additions include Minelab mine detectors along with medical and demining training resources. These enhancements are aimed at increasing training capacity and establishing the center as a premier facility in Thailand and beyond.
The collaboration between TMAC and the U.S. Department of Defense aligns with national mandates for demining capacity building in Thailand. This initiative not only elevates Thailand’s leadership role in humanitarian mine action but also enhances operational readiness for U.S. Marines through practical demining experience.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Kieu emphasized that "this center is more than a facility—it is a symbol of our shared commitment to a safer future." He highlighted how sustained cooperation advances both national security objectives for Thailand and broader regional stability goals.
Overall, efforts to clear landmines aim to improve community safety while restoring land usability—a mission central to this newly established Center of Excellence.