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  • Female deminers using dogs to detect mines.  The dogs are used in low density minefields.  Metal detectors are used in high density minefields...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_02.jpg
  • Female deminers using dogs to detect mines.  The dogs are used in low density minefields.  Metal detectors are used in high density minefields...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_01.jpg
  • Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, points to examples of land mines and UXO typically found in Cambodia at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_04.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_07.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_14.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_12.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_06.jpg
  • Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, points to examples of land mines and UXO typically found in Cambodia at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_05.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_19.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_08.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_17.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_10.jpg
  • Sokhon helps her friend, Yean Maly, put on body armor in a safe zone at the MAG base camp before entering the ".Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ......Back in 2006, in a moment of sadness she told her friend, Yean Maly, "I never want to get married again. I don't think any man could truly love an amputee woman like me."....
    Cambodia Female Deminer_22.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_16.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_13.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_20.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_18.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_15.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_09.jpg
  • Sokhon, jumps out of the back of a MAG work truck at the end of the day...Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer.jpg
  • Sokhon demonstrates testing her metal detector and the demining process in a safe zone at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Later inside the actual minefield, Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, described the process while standing safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_11.jpg
  • Destroyed mines at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield where Sokhon is working. ..Kheun Sokhon, age 29, is a female deminer for Mines Advisory Group (MAG), in Palin Province, Cambodia.  She searches for land mines - facing the same threat that shattered her life at age 19 - when she stepped on a mine.  She admits, "I don't want people to experience what I have been through." ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_03.jpg
  • Sokhon prepares dinner with her daughter Sreymao by her side.  Sokhon's husband, Khhuan Ry, holds another family member behind her...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_44.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_38.jpg
  • Chhun Sokuntheary, (left) age 30, and  Ouk Khim, (right) age 33, from MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_47.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_26.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_23.jpg
  • Amputees in rehab at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city.  The woman pictured is, Lan Sarum, who lost her leg to landmine in 1990 in Banteay Meanchey Province she as receiving her  5th prosthetic new leg.  The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_61.jpg
  • A shop made from metal in O'Chheukrom village is a sign of increasing prosperity compared to huts made from bamboo and palm leaves.  ...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.  ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_52.jpg
  • Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_43.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". .....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_29.jpg
  • Children ride to school at the city entrance to Battambang, Cambodia.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_64.jpg
  • Landmine and trauma victims recieve treatment from staff at the Emergency Life Support For Civilian War Victims hospital in Battambang, Cambodia.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_62.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents in front of her parents house.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_59.jpg
  • MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_49.jpg
  • Sohkhon puts her daughter Sreymao's hear in a pony tail in front of her house while her husband, Khhuan Ry, stands in the background...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_46.jpg
  • An example of a Chinese Type 72 land mine at the MAG base camp at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield...Later that day one was found a Chinese Type 72 mine was found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepared demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers began announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_21.jpg
  • The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_54.jpg
  • Group photo of Sokhon and other deminers from left to right:  Ngen Sarum (Amputee), Im Samkul (supervisor), Mey Thorn, Hean Sean, Kheun Sokhon (Amputee), Kong Tha, Cheap Yoeurn (Amputee), Sath Samon (Amputee), Sam Khan..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_40.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_37.jpg
  • Amputees in rehab at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city.  The man at center in camouflage is, Pheap Ny, a former soldier for King Sihanouk.  His landmine accident happened in Udomeanchey Province in 1985.  In 1992 he received his first artificial limb now receiving his 5th limb.  The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_60.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepare demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_36.jpg
  • Sokhon at work takes a break inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield......Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". .....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_28.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents.  Sokhon's house is behind them.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_57.jpg
  • When Sokhon arrived ICRC staff took photo #8967 for their records.  In it Sokhon looks devastated, scared, and alone.  It is the youngest picture she has of herself.  She admits, "I destroyed all my childhood photos.  I didn't want to remember how I was." ..At the centre, ICRC Supervisor, Lim Horsan, recalls thousand of amputee cases, saying, "They are regarded negatively by society as 'Chon Pika' meaning 'broken person'. But here we refer to them as sister or brother." He estimates 80 to 90% have suicidal thoughts at first. Explaining they think their life is meaningless, a burden to their family, "They know they will be discriminated against by the community. For women becoming an amputee is more difficult - they think they lose their beauty."..The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees
    Cambodia Female Deminer_56.jpg
  • Chhun Sokuntheary, (left) age 30, and  Ouk Khim, (right) age 33, from MAG teach mine risk education to children at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village, Pailin, Cambodia.  The series of banners teaches children how to identify mine and UXO and what to do if they see it. So Hon, age 59, Teacher Headmaster from school at Seila Meanchay primary school in Suay Chrum village said, "In the past, 5 years ago, accidents happened in nearby villages where the chidren are from.  Now there are improvements because the mental health of the community has improved because they don't worry and because land use has expanded development activity."
    Cambodia Female Deminer_48.jpg
  • On the way home Sokhon stops at the local market to shop for dinner, she still has to cook for her family.  She moves between a collection of outdoor bamboo stalls, separated by rutted muddy aisles, selling fresh fish and vegetables.  The shopkeepers joke with Sokhon - a photographer is following her - an unusual sight in Pailin, until recently.  In 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, in Battambong, and started a foundation - bringing a touch of glamour to locals - many of whom now hope to catch a glimpse of the super star.  Sokhon smiles shyly, embarrassed by the attention, but latter she jokes, "I also want to be famous! Do you think Brad Pitt will come to see me?"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_41.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .(Sokhon pictured in background)
    Cambodia Female Deminer_35.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .(Sokhon pictured in background)
    Cambodia Female Deminer_34.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield..  Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen"......Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_31.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisors prepare demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_32.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_27.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_24.jpg
  • A sign in O'Chheukrom village noting how many land mines were removed by Sokhon's MAG team...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.  ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_53.jpg
  • The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_55.jpg
  • Farmers harvest cassava in Pailin Province.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_50.jpg
  • Sokhon prepares dinner with her daughter Sreymao by her side.  Sokhon's husband, Khhuan Ry, holds another family member behind her...Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family...Sokhon's mother (need her name?) sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house...The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."..Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, (need name), Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_45.jpg
  • After a Chinese Type 72 mine is found.  Sokhon's supervisor, Im Samkul, prepares demolition equipment, delicately placing 100 grams of TNT explosive on it.  4 deminers begin announcing on loud speakers to surrounding villagers: "We would like to inform you all who are working near our minefield.  We will conduct a demolition shortly. Please evacuate from the area!"  ..On a hill 100 meters away farmers harvesting cassava disappear out of sight. Then Sokhon's supervisor connects black demolition wire to a detonator switch.  He blows 3 long whistles followed by 3 short ones. Then he presses the detonator triggering an ear shattering explosion that booms across the valley.  .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_33.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield..  Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen"......Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  .....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_30.jpg
  • On the way home Sokhon stops at the local market to shop for dinner, she still has to cook for her family.  She moves between a collection of outdoor bamboo stalls, separated by rutted muddy aisles, selling fresh fish and vegetables.  The shopkeepers joke with Sokhon - a photographer is following her - an unusual sight in Pailin, until recently.  In 2002, Angelina Jolie adopted her first child, Maddox, in Battambong, and started a foundation - bringing a touch of glamour to locals - many of whom now hope to catch a glimpse of the super star.  Sokhon smiles shyly, embarrassed by the attention, but latter she jokes, "I also want to be famous! Do you think Brad Pitt will come to see me?"
    Cambodia Female Deminer_42.jpg
  • Inside the workshop at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) centre in Battambang city:   Chhorn Lang, age 42,  helped make Sokhon's prothesis so she could work for MAG in the field.  She been working for ICRC since 1993.  She lost a leg in 1988 to landmine in Battambong.  She says before she got the job she had very few friends, but now she has friends.  She says, "When I lost my leg I had no hope.  My thinking was like Sokhon, but I didn't want to die.  When I started to have this job my life improved.  It makes me happy to help others now.  Before it was difficult, if I wanted to get water I had to crawl to the river."  (The ICRC centre has treated 18,122 cases from 1991 - 2010, most of them amputees).
    Cambodia Female Deminer_63.jpg
  • Sokhon with her daughter Sreymao and her parents in front of her parents house.....Arriving at home near sunset Sokhon's daughter Sreymao, age 7, runs out the greet her.  Sokhon sits down in front of her parent's house - a bamboo hut with a sheet metal roof, measuring 5 meters by 4 meters.  Inside electricity comes from a car battery that powers one 12 watt light bulb and a small TV.  Next door Sokhon's house has a palm leave roof measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. She shares it with Sreymao.  Sokhon changes her black work boots for pink slippers.  She pauses to put Sreymao's hair in a ponytail and begins cooking for her family.....Sokhon's mother, Kep Nann, sits down outside, she says, "We are so proud of her!"  She admits Sokhon is the primary reason the family is slowly escaping poverty and paying for her daughter and siblings to attend school.  With Sokhon's help they recently purchased a small plot of farmland where they plan to build a house.....The last light of day trickles in over the Cardomon Mountains highlighting Sokhon's smile.  She sits down with Sreymao who is busy studying her 2nd grade schoolwork.  Sokhon says, "I want her to be a doctor, but we are too poor for that.  I hope she can be a nurse."....Standing behind them, far enough away that he can't hear is, Khhuan Ry, Sokhon's new husband.  Sokhon says:  "My husband gives me good support. I cannot find another man better than him.  He doesn't drink and helps with the house work.  He carries water from the river.  He is responsible and takes Sreymao to school.  All my hope came back to me.  So I opened my heart back up.  Yes - I am in love".   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_58.jpg
  • Sokhon with a co worker and village leader survey an area she helped clear of landmine at O'Chheukrom village...On August 21, 2006, Sokhon and her team started demining O'Chheukrom village. "One of the areas we cleared was where I used to go to collect water with my daughter every day. We found mines everywhere. That was scary", says Sokhon.   By April 5, 2007 the village was finally free of land mines.  69,379 square meters of land was rendered safe.  Sokhon's MAG team found 405 mines, 64 bombs (unexploded ordnance) and 164,213 pieces of fragmentation.  Villagers started farming the area without fear, bringing a sense of relief and prosperity to the community.
    Cambodia Female Deminer_51.jpg
  • Today, Kheun Sokhon, walks with a confident limp over a hill known as "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield, located 20 kilometers from O'Chheukrom village.  8 male co workers follow behind her.  Four of them are amputees and limp too. Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment they step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ..Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   .
    Cambodia Female Deminer_39.jpg
  • Sokhon at work inside the danger zone at "Koun Phnum" or "Baby Mountain" minefield.....Wearing body armor, blast visors and carrying hundreds of pounds of demining equipment she and her colleagues step into the minefield.  In searing heat Sokhon begins hiking up and down the hill removing heavy brush piles.  She takes great care not to step over a thin red line marking the minefield boundary.  She says the experience requires total clarity of mind, "I have to concentrate only on the sound of the metal detector.  I cannot think about anything else or an accident could happen". ....Kheun Sokhon stares at the ground, surveying it slowly.  In front of her in the dense Cambodian jungle lies a hidden garden of danger.  Her eyes move from left to right following the head of a black metal detector over freshly cut brush.  She listens intently - loss of focus could cost her life.  The metal detector hums at a low pitch.  If it jumps to a high frequency - she must carefully mark the spot.  Red signs with skull and crossbones dot the landscape warning, "Danger!!  Mines!!".  ....Sokhon's supervisor, Thor Thoeun, stands safely 25 meters away, watching.  With tension gripping his face, not wanting to disturb Sokhon, he whispers, "We are always scared in the minefield.  When the detector signals Sokhon will pinpoint the spot with a red chip."  Then she will excavate to find what is under it.  If Sokhon sees a mine she will place a red triangle pointing toward the danger.   Then she will blow a whistle for the supervisor to check the item.  If it is a land mine it will generally be destroyed in place.   ..
    Cambodia Female Deminer_25.jpg
  • Sompong, age 15 (center right), shows the wounds to his arm and leg when he and his brother tried to open a Russian 37mm anti-aircraft shell.  His cousin Soy Kiengphaserth, age 21 (center left), works in the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) female team.  She and the team found him on their way home from work and rushed him to the hospital while he was treated by a MAG Medic on the way.  Sompong's mother, Mone (far right), said, "If not for MAG they might not have survived."..Many accidents occur in Laos when people try to open live weapons to sell the explosives and scrap metal. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_42.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, reacts to a controlled demolition she ignited.  She admitted, "Just after the large explosion I am very happy because if there is a misfire then I have to go and inspect what is wrong.  At that time it is very dangerous.  But so far I never have a misfire."..She detonated 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  It took the team 7 days to clear 14,352 sq meters...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_31.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group female Technician, Douangmala Suansython, age 21, warns villagers to clear the area before the ladies team set of a controled demolition of 76 cluster bombs.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_29.jpg
  • Mines Advisory Group, female Technician, Bouakham Keophomma, age 19, marks an area for bomb clearance with rope...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  .The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world...The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_11.jpg
  • Members of one of the female demining teams take a break from the sun in Khammuan Province, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_50.jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_48.jpg
  • Members of one of the female demining teams in Khammuan Province, Laos...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_49.jpg
  • Members of Mines Advisory Group female demining team uncover a piece of bomb scrap.  Clearing sites is pains taking and time consuming work with millions of bomb fragments buried next to live bombs...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_47.jpg
  • Sompong, age 15, shows the wounds to his arm and leg when he and his brother tried to open a Russian 37mm anti-aircraft shell.  His cousin Soy Kiengphaserth, age 21, works in the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) female team.  She and the team found him on their way home from work and rushed him to the hospital while he was treated by a MAG Medic on the way.  Sompong's mother, Mone, said, "If not for MAG they might not have survived."..Many accidents occur in Laos when people try to open live weapons to sell the explosives and scrap metal. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_41.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, prepares the last steps connecting the firing device to the black firing wire.  She admitted, "Just after the large explosion I am very happy because if there is a misfire then I have to go and inspect what is wrong.  At that time it is very dangerous.  But so far I never have a misfire."..She detonated 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  It took the team 7 days to clear 14,352 sq meters...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_30.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, prepares to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives.  ..Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed. ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_25.jpg
  • A member of Mines Advisory Group female team, prepares papaya salad.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_39.jpg
  • Saiyasouk Buakeo, age 24, from the Mines Advisory Group female team shows a bamboo shoot she found as food in the forest.  Laos is a poor country with few jobs.  The women are well paid by Laos standards and are given a food allowance.  However, many of their family members often depend on their income so they find creative ways to save money locating food in the forest.  They are also paid in US Dollars which has declined significantly over the last year affecting their income...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_37.jpg
  • Members from the Mines Advisory Group female team unload their gear at their field location.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_33.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_28.jpg
  • Somma Phalangsy, age 33 (left), Phet Senthavisouk (center), and Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20 (right), look at a pile of 20, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  Cluster bombs like these are extremely dangerous and can explode with the slightest movement.  When detonated each bomb has hundreds of metal pellets that fire out at ballistic speed.  Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20 (right) disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition using TNT and C4 explosives...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_24.jpg
  • A bucket of snails caught in the river by the Mines Advisory Group female demining team.  Laos is a poor country with few jobs.  The women are well paid by Laos standards and are given a food allowance.  However, many of their family members often depend on their income so they find creative ways to save money locating food in the forest.  They are also paid in US Dollars which have declined significantly over the last year affecting their income...Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_38.jpg
  • Thipapon Phaonthai from the Mines Advisory Group female team hangs her clothes to dry.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_35.jpg
  • Khanthong Donsenvong from the Mines Advisory Group female team hangs her clothes to dry.  The women working in Khammuan Province live in tents working in remote locations with no electricity, showers or toilets.  They wash in the river and use the forest as a latrine. They work in 4 week cycles, with 3 weeks straight working and one week off to return home and see family.  The girls joked, "We are more afraid of the leaches, because they will chase you, but the bombs they don't move."..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_34.jpg
  • Somma Phalangsy, age 33, supervises as Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_27.jpg
  • Female Deputy Team Leader, Phisamai Linsaiyoum, age 20, carefully prepares a red detonation cord along with TNT and C4 explosives to detonate 76, BLU 26 cluster bombs, laying buried in the dirt after being located by one of the Mines Advisory Group ladies teams.  She disposed of the bombs without moving them in a controled demolition.  ..Laos was part of a "Secret War", waged within its borders primarily by the USA and North Vietnam.  Many left over weapons supplied by China and Russia continue to kill.  However, between 90 and 270 million fist size cluster bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA, with a failure rate up to 30%.  Millions of live cluster bombs still contaminate large areas of Laos causing death and injury.  The US Military dropped approximately 2 million tons of bombs on Laos making it, per capita, the most heavily bombed country in the world. ..The women of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) work everyday under dangerous conditions removing unexploded ordinance (UXO) from fields and villages...***All photographs of MAG's work must include (either on the photo or right next to it) the credit as follows:  Mine clearance by MAG (Reg. charity)***.
    Laos Womens Demining_26.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_13.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_26.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_25.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_05.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_02.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_08.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_28.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_27.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_15.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_12.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_10.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_34.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_31.jpg
  • Female mediums in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival Street Procession, Phuket Town, Thailand.....** The Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates the beginning of Taoist Lent, when devout Chinese abstain from eating all meat and other vices.  The festival takes place on the first 9 days of the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.  Everyone dresses in white and shopkeepers set up small alters with offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruit, and 9 cups of tea to the 9 emperor deities honored by the festival. ....Mediums bring the 9 gods to earth entering a trance state and piercing themselves with all kinds of objects, climbing knife ladders, and walking on hot coals.  The mediums participate in daily processions through town where they stop at the store front alters, drink one of the 9 cups of tea, and offer blessings to the merchants.  The shopkeepers stand in prayer like fashion respecting the mediums that are temporarily possessed by the deity.  The self torture is done to shift evil from individuals to the mediums and bring the community good luck.....Young men carry alters of the deity images though town which culminates at central locations where merchants cover them with huge strands of firecrackers and larger explosives.  The louder and longer blasts are best to drive away evil spirits.  The experience is deafening and engulfs the men and alters in a painful barrage of fire and smoke.  ....Chinese tour groups come to witness since there is no record of this type celebration of Taoist Lent in China.  The festival is believed to have started when a Chinese theatre troupe fell ill for failing to honor the 9 emperor gods of Taoism.  They were quickly cured when they adhered to the 9 day ritual now held each year promoting inner peace, brightness, and proper hygiene.  ..
    Thailand Women Veg Fest_19.jpg
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