Project to Assist Thailand in Fulfilling its Clearance Obligation under the Mine Ban Treaty (PATOM Phase 2) and Vocational Training Programme for Mekong Region Communities Affected by Landmine (VTMRAL): PATOM Phase 2-VTMRAL

Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), which include unexploded ordnance (UXO) and abandoned explosive devices, continue to pose a significant threat in the ASEAN region – a consequence of historical conflicts and wars. These remnants have become a persistent danger, particularly in countries like Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam, where intense conflicts occurred in the past. These hazardous remnants not only risk the safety of local populations but also hinder socio-economic development by restricting land use and infrastructure development projects.

Since 2014, the Government of Japan, through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), has been supporting the implementation of three projects aimed at landmine and ERW clearance¹. The most recent project alone has cleared an area exceeding 81,000,000 square meters, resulting in the discovery of nearly 5,500 UXO and abandoned explosive devices.

Building on the achievements, best practices, and lessons learned from the previous projects, the initiative continues to move forward with the Project to Assist Thailand in Fulfilling its Clearance Obligation under the Mine Ban Treaty (PATOM Phase 2) and Vocational Training Programme for Mekong Region Communities Affected by Landmine (VTMRAL): PATOM Phase 2-VTMRAL.