Thai govt urged to explain involvement in Cambodia's nuclear plan

Activists suspect collusion between the Thai government and Cambodia over alleged plans to build a nuclear power plant on the island of Koh Kong.

Thus they have asked the Thai government to clarify its involvement in the proposed project, while raising doubts on Cambodia's capacity to single-handedly build and manage such a vast and risky project.

Santi Choakchaichamnankij, a representative of Bangkok-based Energy Watch, said it would be difficult for Cambodia to construct the nuclear plant, as it would require enormous capital and human resource investments.

"Cambodia itself doesn't need such a large-scale power plant," Choakchaichamnankij said. "The project will likely supply electricity to neighbouring countries, including Thailand. The Thai government should make it clear whether it is involved."

Prime Minister Hun Sen announced at the 30th Asean Ministers Meeting on Energy in Phnom Penh last month that he was interested in building the plant in Koh Kong to pave the way for economic expansion in the country.

But environmental activist Witoon Permwongsacharoen said if Cambodia insisted on going ahead with nuclear energy, Asean members should intervene as the project would impact neighbouring countries.

He added that Cambodia consumed only 1,000 megawatts of electricity per year, meaning there was no need for the country to invest in nuclear power.

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