BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is preparing Thailand for future nuclear energy technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), while developing the regulatory and safety framework needed for their potential use. Deputy Prime Minister and MHESI Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat is spearheading the policy through the “Frontier Innovation” and “Green Energy Innovation Thailand” frameworks. Preparations cover legislation, licensing, inspections, nuclear security, emergency response, and radioactive waste management, with public safety central to any future adoption of SMR technology.
Office of Atoms for Peace Secretary-General Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati led a Thai delegation to Beijing on August 10 for talks with China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration. The delegation met with NNSA Deputy Director-General and Director of the Nuclear Power Safety Regulatory Department, Hou Yingdong, to discuss regulatory cooperation and preparations for emerging nuclear technologies. The two agencies are also working toward a memorandum of understanding covering expert exchanges, personnel training, and joint studies. The Thai government is also considering wider uses of nuclear technology in precision medicine, advanced industries, agriculture, and food security. (NNT)
