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Published on August 19, 2007

Pen, a Bangkok primary-school student, last Thursday happily took part in a jigsaw-puzzle competition at the annual national science and technology fair, which ends today at Bitec exhibition centre.

After spending a few minutes inside the hall, she won a prize for completing a jigsaw picture of a modern nuclear power plant, a five-metre-high replica of which stands prominently nearby.

"It was fun, and I received a gift," said the 12-year-old, one of the students the government hopes will support the introduction of nuclear power as an alternative energy source.

In the biggest publicity blitz for nuclear energy in decades, the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAE) is working hard to gradually change the negative public perception of atomic energy.

The office claims Thailand as well as other nations have less choice about alternative sources of energy if they ignore a new generation of nuclear power plants. Indonesia and Vietnam, for example, already have plans to build nuclear power plants.

Proponents also assert that the adoption of nuclear energy would further increase the country's energy security as it would reduce dependence on oil and gas as well as hydro and other power sources.

They also argue that the safety of the new-generation nuclear power plants is significantly higher due to advanced technology.

They say nuclear energy is clean and cheap and would help reduce global warming said to be caused by hydrocarbons such as the burning of oil and gas.

"I think they want to promote nuclear power plants in Thailand," said college student Praphan Kittiphong-anan.

However, the OAE said the event was just an educational effort on the benefits of nuclear energy, not a public-relations campaign to solicit public support to build nuclear power plants.

However Kopr Kritayakirana, chairman of the Nuclear Power Infrastructure Preparation Committee (NPIPC), admits activities are ongoing to create public awareness and acceptance so people could make a "proper decision" on nuclear policy.

NPIPC, set up by the National Energy Policy Council, will also make legal and regulatory preparation and study industrial and commercial infrastructure schemes, technology transfer schemes, training of staff, safety and environmental protection and other issues.

This will lead to a road map for nuclear power-plant construction.

"We have set up subcommittees to oversee these plans. By October, they will finish the first draft of the Nuclear Power Infrastructure Establishment Plan for government decision," he said.

On April 11, approval for a nuclear power plant was given for the first time in two decades following the failed attempt during the tenure of former premier Chatchai Choonhawan.

So far, the OAP has been among the most active in terms of publicity, with activities, including educational plans for schools in the southern provinces of Surat Thani and Ranong.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has also given a higher priority to nuclear energy at its units such as the Mechanical Engineering Department. In the private sector, Saha Group, among other conglomerates, is understood to be interested in investing in the nuclear power-plant business.

"It is about time we go nuclear. We cannot avoid it anymore as our neighbours are already planning to build plants. The technology is now safer than before. However, public acceptance is vital if we really hope to use such an energy. It's still not easy to win widespread public support," said Korp.

In his opinion, public policy on nuclear energy must be transparent, accountable and open to public discussion. "We will disclose all the information and try to educate people on each of the issues. We'll also do it at the community level," he said.

Chainarong Cherdchoo, another committee member, said the media would play a significant role in influencing a public decision.

However, energy activist Watcharee Phaoluangthong of the Alternative Energy for Sustainability Project said the ongoing public-relations campaign for nuclear energy is unacceptable because it is one-sided communication to the public based on a pro-nuclear policy.

"If they want to be more transparent, they need to reveal their proposed site. If they really want public participation it must start from the beginning," she said.

Detcharut Sukkumnoed an energy expert at Kasetsart University, said the NPIPC policy on nuclear is still dubious because nuclear energy is just one of the nine options in the national power development programme for 2007.

Detcharut also argued that several myths remain about nuclear power plants that should be settled scientifically before the country turns to this source of energy.

Obviously, public concern about safety is one of the biggest issues.

Chayan Moolphan, 19, a student at Kasetsart University said: "I am interested in nuclear technology. However, nuclear energy is something radioactive that could harm human health. As for building a nuclear power plant, I think I could agree with it, but I would not like it to be in my province."

Kamol Sukin

The Nation