Thailand to host nuclear safety conference next year

China accepts Thailand’s request to host the ASEAN+3 conference on nuclear safety during the ASEAN plus China summit today (November 21).

Apart from the ASEAN plus China summit, the ASEAN plus Japan kicked off this morning at 08.30 AM local time to discuss the free trade agreement between Thailand and Japan and Thailand’s request for Korea to promote investments in technology and education on nuclear power.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont says the government will invite scientists from China, Japan, and Korea to attend a meeting on nuclear power.

Meanwhile, the premier is scheduled to attend the 6th ASEAN plus India conference, the 3rd ASEAN Summit, and a signing ceremony of the Singapore Pact to address climate change, energy, and the environment. The pact is aimed at creating environmental preservation awareness among the countries attending the summit.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2007

Thailand to host nuke power meet

Thailand will hold a meeting on nuclear energy next year to explore development possibilities, under the framework of the Asean-China cooperation, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.

While backing the Thai idea, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed inviting experts from Japan and South Korea, countries with long experience in using nuclear energy.

A plan to build a nuclear energy facility has been strongly opposed by civic groups due to safety concerns.

Surayud commissioned the Energy Ministry to conduct a study on the possibilities.

"It [the meeting] would be good for us to have a chance to study and learn from other countries," he told reporters.

Surayud was in Singapore for a series of Asean meetings. He also attended a summit between Asean and three East Asian countries - China, Japan, and South Korea - which also discussed alternative energy sources, amid the soaring price of fossil fuel.

Cooperation on nuclear energy and biofuel technology will be provide more choice of energy sources, he added.

Source: The Nation - 21 November 2007