Thailand Taps China's Nuclear Safety Expertise for Ambitious SMR Future
Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
Thailand is making a decisive move into nuclear energy, turning to China's rapidly advancing nuclear industry for crucial safety guidance as it prepares for its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) within the next decade. The Thai Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) recently held high-level talks with China's National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) in Beijing, focusing on establishing robust regulatory frameworks, licensing protocols, and emergency preparedness for the compact nuclear technology. This collaboration underscores Bangkok's commitment to secure clean energy and Beijing's growing influence in global nuclear technology. The stakes are high as Thailand seeks to pivot from fossil fuels and achieve energy security goals, with its updated Power Development Plan (PDP 2026) targeting the commissioning of its first 300 MWe SMR by 2037 and an ambitious 9 Gigawatts (GW) of SMR capacity by 2050. This represents a significant long-term energy strategy shift, positioning SMR as a core component for clean electricity amid rising demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has identified gaps in Thailand's nuclear readiness, China's nuclear safety record, frequently praised by the IAEA, and its operational Linglong One (ACP100) SMR provide a compelling case for the partnership, even as other global players like the US and South Korea vie for influence. Upcoming steps include an expected formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OAP and NNSA, solidifying expert exchange and workforce training. Thailand's Nuclear Energy for Peace Commission (NEPC) is accelerating regulatory preparations, including a Nuclear Damage Civil Liability Bill and a national policy for Radioactive Waste Management, which are critical for public acceptance and safe deployment. The world will be watching to see how Thailand navigates these complex regulatory and public confidence challenges while balancing geopolitical energy partnerships.