Police in Ranong have joined US officials and multiple Thai security agencies in efforts to strengthen the detection and prevention of nuclear and radioactive material smuggling along the Thai-Myanmar border.

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On 8 June, Major General Thanawat Watthanakun, Commander of Ranong Provincial Police, led a consultation meeting under the NSDD (Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence) Thailand ISLE (Implementation and Sustainment Local Execution) Survey project. He was joined by deputy commanders Pol Col Seksan Kaewsawang, Pol Col Monthian Baethong, Pol Col Sutthi Nitiakkharaphong and Pol Col Sombat Chumphon, alongside representatives from customs, provincial administration, maritime security agencies, military units, immigration, forensic police, Border Patrol Police, Marine Police, Special Branch, investigation units and local police stations.

The meeting focused on preventing and detecting the illegal transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. Participants discussed global security threats posed by radioactive and nuclear materials that fall outside regulatory control, known as MORC (Material Out of Regulatory Control)

The Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) programme is operated by the US National Nuclear Security Administration under the US Department of Energy. Its objective is to help partner countries install systems capable of detecting and intercepting illicit nuclear material that could potentially be used in weapons or so-called “dirty bombs”.

The ISLE Survey is a site assessment process designed to identify vulnerabilities, determine the most suitable radiation detection equipment for specific locations and assess training requirements for personnel. Information gathered during the survey will be used to develop permanent protection systems.

Officials said the selection of Ranong for the survey reflects its strategic role as a frontline province. The area is viewed as an important point for intercepting potential threats before they can move further into other parts of Thailand.

The discussions also highlighted cooperation between Thai and US authorities, as well as coordination among local law enforcement, military and border security agencies operating in the province.

Thaitabloid reported that future planning will be based on the survey findings, which are expected to guide the installation of detection systems and the development of long-term measures to strengthen border security against nuclear and radioactive material smuggling.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 10 June 2026

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5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The area is viewed as an important point for intercepting potential threats before they can move further into other parts of Thailand.

Who and why would anyone want to move radioactive materials into Thailand ?

Govt honchos can suit create jobs for themselves and rake it in. Can't you see an irradiated Rohingya wading across? Sheesh.

What utter foolishness!! I don't know who dreams this rubbish up!!

Chinese presence and influence in Myanmar most likely reason for US concern................

The U.S are not stupid. Thailand unlikely as the final destination. This action most likely due to intelligence. Sounds bizarre but the U.S. would not move like this without intel.

Who and why would anyone want to move radioactive materials into Thailand ?

They'll move scrap materials wherever the laws and enforcement are the weakest, and they can make a buck. Not just nuclear materials. We've seen quite a few cases of toxic waste ending up in Thailand as it gets more expensive to dispose of it in other countries.

And that doesn't even consider anyone with truly evil intent. Imagine the Erawan Shrine bombing on steroids.

I'd actually like to see scintillation detectors installed on all over the road trucks that can "phone home" if they come across a hot spot anywhere on the roads. They're downright reasonable now with cellular technology. (In fact, I'd be surprised and disappointed if they don't already have some kind of program we don't even know about)

Please be careful when checking for nuclear material being smuggled...in the boot (trunk) of cars.

Stay safe, please....!

No salary is worth this, for example.

Plutonium dust is really the worst.

Once a speck of plutonium dust is inhaled, then....

It's curtains for you, for sure.