Assoc.Prof.Thawatchai Onjun, Executive Director of Thailand
Institute of Nuclear Technology was delegated by Minister of Higher Education,
Science, Research and Innovation to attend 23rd Ministerial Level Meeting (MLM)
of Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) on 31st of October 2022, in
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Meeting served as a high-level platform for the
nuclear-related policy makers from FNCA countries to have an in-depth
discussion on enhancing cooperation in the areas of research and development
and the applications of nuclear technology to contribute to the country’s
sustainable development. As nuclear technology can address issues in several
areas namely industry, agriculture, medicine, and environment, this year, the
focus of the roundtable discussion is on the utilization of nuclear technology
in oncology in complementary to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s
newly-established project on Rays of Hope. Dr. Thawatchai delivered a country
presentation on the radiotherapy in Thailand consisting of the current status
of radiation treatment, manpower, equipment and the establishment of the
national auditing system regarding radiotherapy—Thai Quality Assurance Team for
Radiation Oncology (Thai-QUATRO). The information presented was collected from
Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thai Association of
Radiation Oncology and Office of Atoms for Peace. Additionally, Thailand
announced the acceptance of hosting the 24th MLN FNCA in 2023 as proposed. This
will be a great opportunity for Thailand to provide support to the region
regarding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.