Dr. Rungreung Kitphati, Director General of the Department of Science Service and Acting Secretary General of the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), revealed that in line with the policy of Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, which places importance on the development of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes—particularly the efficient and safest possible management of nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in accordance with international standards to sustainably reduce environmental impacts—OAP, MHESI has partnered with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to systematically enhance Thailand’s safety standards in radioactive waste management. This effort is being carried out through the national workshop “Expert Mission to Advise on the Development of a National Radioactive Waste Management Strategy,” held from 6 to 9 May 2025 at the 60th Anniversary OAP Building.
Dr. Rungreung further stated, “Radioactive waste management is a crucial issue that must advance in parallel with progress in nuclear technology. While we benefit from the use of nuclear energy and radiation in various fields—such as medicine, industry, agriculture, and research—radioactive waste is an inevitable by-product. It is therefore essential to have a sound and safe waste management plan to prevent long-term impacts on public health and the environment. Accordingly, it is imperative for Thailand to formulate policies, define strategies, and establish a clear, transparent, and internationally standardized approach to ensure stable and sustainable development of nuclear technology.”
This Expert Mission is part of the National Technical Cooperation Project with the IAEA, which is providing full support to develop strategies and formulate a national strategy for managing radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from Thailand’s research reactors in the future. The emphasis is on ensuring the highest level of safety for the public, workers, and the environment.
