The award reflects OAP’s efforts to transform the role of government from that of a regulator alone into an organization that listens to stakeholders and works collaboratively to address real-world challenges, while maintaining stringent nuclear and radiation safety standards.

On September 10, 2026, Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati, Secretary General of OAP, assigned Ms. Darunee Peekhunthod, Deputy Secretary General of OAP, to receive the “Public Sector Excellence Awards 2026” from the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC). The ceremony was held at the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, Challenger Building, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province, and was presided over by Mr. Pakorn Nilprapunt, Deputy Prime Minister. This achievement represents more than a prestigious award. It reflects OAP’s commitment to creating opportunities to directly hear from users of its regulatory framework, including service recipients, business operators, medical professionals, and other relevant stakeholders. OAP subsequently incorporated their recommendations and real-world challenges into the review of its regulatory processes, improving legislation and eliminating unnecessary procedures in proportion to the level of risk.

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on Thailand’s energy direction and present OAP’s approach to strengthening nuclear safety regulatory preparedness in support of the country’s energy and technological transition, including the future deployment of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, amid the transformation of Thailand’s energy structure under the draft Power Development Plan (PDP) 2026.

The meeting focused on reviewing approaches for the recruitment, analysis, and evaluation of examination questions, as well as acknowledging the results of the theoretical and practical examinations conducted for applicants. The discussions aimed to ensure that the examination and assessment processes are efficient, transparent, and consistent with radiation safety standards, while ensuring that applicants’ knowledge and competencies are assessed in accordance with established criteria and requirements.

The panel brought together experts from the public sector, energy industry, academia, and private sector, including Associate Professor Dr. Komson Maleesee, President of KMITL; Mr. Pornperm Thongsri, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy; Mr. Ruttira Prasertsak, Assistant Director of Power Plant Engineering Division, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT); Associate Professor Dr. Thawatchai Onchan, Director of the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) (TINT); Dr. Thanattorn Phonphatdet-udom, Expert at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited; and Professor Dr. Somboon Rasamee, Head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, covering key areas including technological development, safety, energy policy, workforce development, and career opportunities for the next generation.