Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the country’s Tokamak I (TT-1) nuclear fusion power technology, affirming its importance in achieving sustainable energy goals.
The 69-year-old prime minister’s remarks came during a presentation on the development of nuclear fusion power in Thailand by Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and Associate Professor Thawatchai. Onjun, executive director of the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT).
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri revealed that TT-1 is located in Nakhon Nayok province and was donated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) as a gift to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to own a tokamak device.
According to TINT, the TT-1 works by generating heat from nuclear fusion reactions, similar to those that occur on the Sun. The device can produce heat up to 100,000°C and has the potential to reach one million degrees Celsius in the future. .
Anucha Burapachaisri stated that the Tokamak device will contribute to the development of sustainable energy sources in the country and could be applied to various sectors including industry, agriculture and medicine.
The Prime Minister expressed his thanks to all parties involved such as TINT, the Synchrotron Light Research Institute and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand for their collaboration in creating a stable power source and advancing science. and technology to enhance the nation’s competitiveness, the Bangkok Post reported.
Prime Minister Prayut also stressed the importance of cultivating qualified personnel in fusion technology and strengthening Thailand’s capabilities in science and engineering. He highlighted that the TT-1 serves as an alternative energy source to address climate concerns, as it generates clean and environmentally friendly energy without emitting greenhouse gases.
TINT installed the TT-1 in February and successfully tested the system on April 21, marking a major milestone in its full operation next month. Over the next decade, TINT intends to build Thailand’s first in-house device, positioning the country as a hub for fusion technology development, according to Anucha Burapachaisri.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-embraces-nuclear-fusion-tech-with-tokamak-i-milestone
Category: thailand
