Thailand ratifies nuclear security joint communiqué

WASHINGTON DC, April 2 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has ratified a joint communique issued by government leaders attending the 41st Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington DC, displaying Thailand’s acknowledgement on nuclear threats and how to develop it for security purposes. Gen Prayut told journalists after completing his participation at the summit that Thailand was one of the total 52 countries and four international organisations that had ratified the joint communiqué and five Action Plans. The communiqué and five Action Plans were adopted to confirm Leaders’ joint political will and guideline for future cooperation in promoting international nuclear security and reducing threat of nuclear terrorism, as well as proposals on cooperation direction between member countries and concerned international agencies/frameworks. The adoption was voluntary and in accordance with internal laws and regulations, and related international obligations. Gen Prayut said although Thailand does not possess nuclear weapons, they are used in other fields. Therefore, concerned government agencies have to stay on alert from theft and from accidental radiation leak. Presently, international anti-terrorism centre is the core in overseeing the nuclear weapons, he said. As the government plans to enforce a new nuclear energy law this April which would enable Thailand to become a member of several related agencies including the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, the country could take action on several related matters to strengthen nuclear security, said Gen Prayut. The prime minister has left for home immediately after completing his mission. He is scheduled to arrive Thailand at 5.45am on Sunday. (TNA)