Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, stated that the Nuclear Energy for Peace Commission reaffirmed that public safety must be the top priority and that the development of nuclear technology must be conducted under the strictest legal and regulatory frameworks. The statement was made at the Commission’s first meeting of 2025, attended by representatives from various ministries and experts from fields such as science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and law, held at Government House.
The meeting focused on strengthening Thailand’s nuclear and radiation regulatory system to ensure it is safe, transparent, and aligned with international standards, in line with the government’s goal of establishing a robust and comprehensive nuclear governance framework.
Key discussions included preparations for regulating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are seen as a future strategic clean-energy technology for Thailand. SMRs are considered highly safe, capable of enhancing energy security and grid stability, reducing fuel imports, and supporting Thailand’s long-term Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target, while also improving national competitiveness and technological capacity. The Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) is developing regulatory frameworks for licensing nuclear facilities and overseeing radioactive waste and spent fuel management in accordance with international standards to build public confidence before any deployment.
The Commission also reviewed a draft Nuclear Damage Civil Liability Act, aimed at providing genuine public protection and strengthening confidence in Thailand’s nuclear operations and foreign investment.
Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati, Director-General of the Department of Science Service and Acting Secretary-General of the OAP, added that the meeting considered integrated national strategies for nuclear development in collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. Priority areas include SMR readiness, rare earth industries, and fusion technology, alongside long-term planning under national higher education, science, research, and innovation policies to keep pace with global nuclear advancements.
The meeting approved the establishment of subcommittees to enhance regulatory effectiveness, including those for radiation safety officer examinations and medical applications. It also emphasized the OAP’s central role as Thailand’s nuclear and radiation safety regulator, calling for accelerated development of licensing systems, risk assessment, safety monitoring, legal frameworks, workforce development, and research support to ensure the safe and sustainable use of nuclear technology in the future.
Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) – Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (mhesi)
เผยแพร่โดย : กลุ่มเผยแพร่และประชาสัมพันธ์ สำนักงานเลขานุการกรม เบอร์โทรศัพท์ภายใน 1110 , 1120
