The Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), in cooperation with the United States Department of Defense, inaugurated its new Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, in Ratchaburi province. The facility is designed to serve as a regional hub for demining operations, enhancing both Thai and international efforts in landmine clearance.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Bangkok, the center marks a significant milestone in ongoing humanitarian cooperation between Thailand and the United States. It reflects the enduring defense partnership between the two countries, while advancing shared goals of regional safety and security.
As part of the launch, the US Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Demining Research and Development (HD R&D) program donated a GCS-200 demining machine to TMAC. US Marines from the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, will remain on-site through the end of the week to support training on the new equipment.
The facility will serve as a primary location for TMAC-led training programs, supported by the US under the Marine Forces Pacific (Marforpac) Humanitarian Mine Action Program. In addition to national operations, TMAC intends to broaden the facility’s mission by hosting training programs for international mine clearance organisations.
Since 2012, US Marines have provided support to TMAC in various areas, including landmine detection, demining operations, and casualty care. Over time, HD R&D has enhanced TMAC’s technical capabilities by supplying a range of equipment — from MineWolf demining systems and armored vehicles to vegetation cutting tools, 3D printing technologies, and detector testing facilities.
Recent contributions include Minelab detectors, medical training kits, and funding for infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing training capacity. These upgrades are expected to position the new center as a key training and operational base for humanitarian mine action across Southeast Asia.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior military representatives from both Thailand and the United States. Lt Col Johnny Kieu, speaking on behalf of the US side, described the facility as a “symbol of our shared commitment to a safer future.” He highlighted how the program enhances Thailand’s security goals and improves regional stability, while simultaneously providing practical training for US military personnel.
The expansion of humanitarian demining capabilities is also expected to benefit local communities by making former conflict zones safer and returning land to productive use.
