EGAT finds growing acceptance of nuclear power amongst Thais

BANGKOK, 5 October 2009 (NNT) – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has observed a shift in Thai attitudes towards the establishment of nuclear power plants in the Kingdom.

EGAT, in cooperation with a research institute, conducted a survey on the construction of nuclear power plants in Thailand, querying 44,815 citizens since February 2009 on their feelings towards the matter. The poll found that 64% of respondents were in agreement with the construction of plants while 32% disagreed.

EGAT Deputy Governor Somboon Arayasakul stated that this is good news that Thai people are more aware of the necessity for nuclear power. He remarked that the public sector will take this opportunity to further clarify the pros and cons of nuclear power to propel the acceptance of the alternative energy amongst Thais.

Mr Somboon added that nuclear power is a clean energy and does not contribute to global warming, and that is a low cost power that has implications on the long term usage of power. He said that nuclear power was different from other types of energy such as natural gas and petroleum, which are non-renewable and will continue to grow in cost.