The most challenging aspects for the introduction of nuclear energy in Thailand are public acceptance and political instability, but plans are progressing for the Southeast Asian nation to deploy its first units in the late 2030s, according to analysis in the US-based The National Law Review.

According to the publication, Thais remain wary because of the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, which had “a severe and lasting impact on Thai people’s perception towards nuclear power”.

But with a growing, strong regulatory framework and the proposed adoption of the Draft Power Development Plan (PDP), which could come into effect this year, Thailand should be able to commission nuclear energy into its energy mix by around 2037, the article said.