IAEA: Thailand is committed to better nuclear and radiation safety

On February 14, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission in Thailand concluded its work and emphasized the country’s commitment to a stronger national regulatory framework for safety. It also identified some areas open to further improvement and encouraged local authorities to establish a national policy and strategy for safety. Conducted at the request of the Government of Thailand, the IAEA mission was the first one conducted in the Southeast Asian country and covered several key aspects of its nuclear effort, including the legal framework for safety, emergency preparedness and response, and the interfaces with nuclear security. The mission team was composed of 15 experts coming from 14 countries and 3 IAEA staff members, who held interviews and discussions with representatives of the Department of Medical Science of the Thai Ministry of Health and the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP). The team also observed regulatory inspection activities in various facilities, including the Bhumibol Hospital and a radioactive waste management site at the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). Team leader Joao Oliveira Martins expressed great satisfaction for “the openness and the spirit of collaboration of the staff of the participating organizations” and remarked the “strong commitment” of Thailand to nuclear and radiation safety. The country does not have nuclear power plants but uses radiation sources in several scientific and industrial applications. A research reactor has been operative since 1977 and produces isotopes like samarium-153 used in nuclear medicine. Now Thai authorities want to build two new research reactors and asked for help from the IAEA to enhance their regulatory framework. After the conclusion of its mission, the IAEA team will provide a final report to the Government of Thailand in about three months.