Essay on "Thailand Not Develop Nuclear Energy"

Essay 7 pages (2324 words) Sources: 10

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Still, the junta in Burma is yet to be considered a peaceful actor on the international scene and it is considered that Burma's own nuclear ambitions in terms of nuclear weapons would become even more easily attainable if Thailand becomes a nuclear power. More precisely, "after reading the Matichon article on the exact words by the Thai prime minister, Abhisit, on the wiki-leaks, there is no doubt that Thailand is greatly concerned about the Burmese junta nuclear weapons plans -- and the attempt to down play the news by Abhisit-is entirely apparent from reading the exact wordings that says" "Thailand have been following the developments…The entire ASEAN region is against nuclear weapons proliferation We had news of N. Korean involvement in the Burmese nuclear weapons ambitions." (Thai Intelligence News Study Center, 2010).

There is the issue of the spillover effect. At the moment the subject of nuclear power and nuclear plants is rather sensitive particularly because of the Iranian Nuclear File or the constant emergence of nuclear powers. Indeed, as stated by the Iranian president, the development of nuclear power is the right of every nation. However, given the constant terrorist threats that are visible in most extremist and authoritarian regimes throughout the world, it is crucial that the nuclear power facilities do not reach the extremist groups or terrorist groups. It is a well-known fact that terrorist movements act across borders and can therefore come to posses a nuclear related facility. Given the volatile security in Asia, a nuclear Thailand would even more increase the insecurity of the region.

Finally, the public opinion represents a crucial element in the way in which the state decides to deal with the situation of nuclear power plants. More precisely, in order to have the nuclear power plan set in action, the feasibility stage is at the moment under way in order to establish the location of the power plants, the construction items and other aspects related to carrying out the nuclear plan. However, according to a survey at the national level, most of the interviewed individuals were in general terms accepting the idea of nuclear power but, at the same time, rejected the construction of the plants in their community or region. The figures point out, as stated previously, that the risks of a nuclear plant and thus of nuclear power supplies are evident and the local population is afraid to take them. Thus, 63% of people agree on nuclear power energy being developed in Thailand, but only 32% agree with the plants being built in their provinces, and only 24% of the interviewed people see fit that their communities be the building and operations site for the plants (Patchimpattapong, 2010).

Overall, it can be concluded that Thailand's aspirations to become even a peaceful nuclear power are not suitable for this moment, nor for the region. Given its limited experience in the area of nuclear energy, Thailand at this moment lacks the sufficient preparation to even start building a nuclear power that would eventually relieve the strain over the other energy resources. Also, the potential danger of the neighboring country Burma to have even illegal access to nuclear facilities is rather dramatic. This may increase the threat of nuclear arms in the future. Furthermore, the lack of a nuclear waste management system in Thailand is worrisome given the fact that nuclear waste is perhaps the most dangerous waste that can affect the environment and the communities. Finally, the costs for such an endeavor are immense and that type of financing could be used for advocating and developing other types of energy resources such as renewable resources which are environmental friendly and human friendly.

References

Bloomberg. Thai. (2010) Vietnamese Nuclear Plans Face Delays on Labor, Wood Mackenzie Says. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-18/thai-vietnamese-nuclear-plans-face-delays-wood-mackenzie-says.html

Channel News Asia. (2007) Thailand to build first nuclear plant. "Asia Pacific News." http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/281848/1/.html

Chonglertvanichkul, Prutichai (2007). Thailand Power Development Plan. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTTHAILAND/Resources/333200-1089943634036/475256-1151398858396/2007sept-hydro_presentation_prutichai.pdf

Corben, Ron. (2008) Aust 'ready to sell uranium to Thailand'. The Sydney Morning Herald.. http://news.smh.com.au/national/aust-ready-to-sell-uranium-to-thailand-20080529-2jlt.html

Corben, Ron. (2008). Aust 'ready to sell uranium to Thailand'. The Sydney Morning Herald. http://news.smh.com.au/national/aust-ready-to-sell-uranium-to-thailand-20080529-2jlt.html

Greenpeace. (2008) Thailand's Nuclear Plan is a waste of time, money and no solution for energy security: Greenpeace. http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/press/releases/thailand-s-nuclear-plan-is-a-w/

IAEA. (2011) NEWMDB facilities.. http://newmdb.iaea.org/profiles.aspx?ByCountry=TH

Patchimpattapong, Apisit (2010) Thailand's Nuclear Power Program: Progress And Public Acceptance Challenge, "Nuclear Energy Department Nuclear Engineering Division Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand." http://www.aesieap0910.org/upload/File/PDF/4-Technical%20Sessions/TS35/TS3502/TS3502_FP.pdf

Probe International.(2000) Radioactive waste spill pinpointed. "The Nation." http://www.probeinternational.org/mekong-utility-watch/radioactive-waste-spill-pinpointed

Thai Intelligence News Study Center. (2010) Thailand must not be allowed to have nuclear power plants with Burma's nuclear weapons ambition up-date. http://thaiintelligentnews.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/position-thailand-must-not-be-allowed-to-have-nuclear-power-plants-with-burmas-nuclear-weapons-ambition-up-date/

The Nation. (2010). Preparation for nuclear power plant stepped up. Business. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/04/14/business/Preparation-for-nuclear-power-plant-stepped-up-30127122.html READ MORE

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