Thailand, NPA join forces to eliminate landmines

BANGKOK, May 18 (TNA) - The Thai government and Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), whose major activities include mine and explosives clearance, have agreed to carry on their joint mission on eliminating landmines from the Thai soil. Deputy Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told journalists that the agreement was reached during a meeting between Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha and visiting NPA Chief for Thailand and Cambodia Aksel Steen-Nilsen at Bangkok's Government House on May 17. The deputy spokesman quoted the prime minister as saying that NPA has been Thailand's closest friend for a long time on landmine clearances,stressing that the Thai government is determined to get rid of all remaining landmines as soon as possible. Besides, the Thai premier expressed his appreciation to the strong spirit, competency and devotion of NPA's female personnel in their field surveys and clearances of landmines. "The prime minister also praised NPA for supporting women's roles and providing them with equal opportunities with men", the deputy spokesman revealed. The visiting NPA chief for Thailand and Cambodia, meanwhile, lauded the Thai government's strong determination and efforts on steady surveys and clearances of remaining landmines on the Thai soil, promising NPA's constant support for the Thai administration's move (TNA)