THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Nuclear security cooperation needed: PM

Nuclear security cooperation needed: PM

Urges agencies to remain alert to prevent theft or radiation leak

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on all countries to work together in order to ensure nuclear security for all.
He was addressing the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) held in Washington DC over the last two days, amid concern that some terrorist groups may be able to get hold of nuclear weapons or material for a “dirty bomb”.
Prayut, who was among the leaders attending the fourth NSS, said that no countries could work alone to achieve nuclear security and that they needed to work together as a grouping with others and with relevant international organisations.
“International and Institutional Actions to Strengthen Nuclear Security” was the topic of the conference, which was held at the Walter E Washington Convention Centre.
The prime minister also thanked the United States for its initiative to hold the summit, which he said was essential to strengthen nuclear security in the global level.
Thailand has ratified a joint communique issued by government leaders attending the Washington summit on nuclear threats and security issues, Thai News Agency reported yesterday.
Prayut told journalists that Thailand was one of 52 countries and four international organisations that had ratified the joint communique and the five Action Plans.
The communique and Action Plans were adopted to confirm the participating leaders’ joint political will and guidelines for future cooperation in promoting international nuclear security and reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism, as well as proposals on cooperation among member countries and the relevant international agencies and frameworks, TNA reported.
The PM said that although Thailand does not possess nuclear weapons, the country uses nuclear energy in other fields. Therefore, he added, relevant government agencies have to stay on alert for theft and accidental radiation leak.
Presently, the International Atomic Energy Agency is the core body in overseeing nuclear weapons, Prayut said.
He also said that government plans to enforce a new nuclear energy law this month that would enable Thailand to become a member of several related agencies. 
These include the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material so that the country could take action on several related matters |to strengthen nuclear security, he said.
 
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