Pailin: An area of about 25-square kilometres are still full of landmines in Pailin province. This is according to the First Deputy Chairman of the Mine Authority, Mr. Ly Thuch, who has announced on the billboards to raise awareness about mines and explosive remnants of the war on the Thai border in Stung Karch commune, Sala Krao district, Pailin province on Monday.

During the ceremony, Mr. Ly Thuch, has urged the police officers along the border to inform the people not to risk entering the area where the exact geographical location is not known for any purpose, such as using land to explore non-timber forest products and not touch any mines and explosive remnants of war and should report to local authorities, demining operators or police authorities immediately upon detection of explosive remnants of war.

Pailin is known for having long been a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge,remaining under their control long after they were defeated in 1979 and serving from 1994 to 1998 as the capital of the Provisional Government of National Union and National Salvation of Cambodia. Within Cambodia Pailin is known for its natural resources, namely precious gems and timber. Pailin and Cambodia, in general, was extensively mined during the three decades of war and remains home to numerous land mines and unexploded ordnance. People are cautioned to stay on marked roads.

From 1979 to October 2021, there were 446 victims of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Pailin province, including 389 mines and 57 unexploded ordnance. Cambodia plans to clear all landmines and explosive remnants of war by 2030.