Knowledge Politics in National Nuclear Energy Planning in Thailand (2007-2017) with a Case Study of Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

Thailand has long aspired to nuclear power for electricity generation, and there are plans for nuclear power projects in the most recent Power Development Plans (2015-2036) – PDP 2015. The reason for incorporating nuclear power relates to anticipation of growing energy demand. Nuclear power is seen as an attractive option for diversifying energy sources, as to date Thailand has largely depended on domestic natural gas reserves and imported fuel resources. On the one hand, nuclear power has been promoted as a ‘low carbon’ emission option to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the other hand, nuclear technology carries significant potential risks to life on earth, through nuclear accidents and proliferation of nuclear weapons (Rajesh, 2001, p. 35). The main objective of this research is to analyze the decision making process, from the perspective of deliberative environmental governance, of how incorporating nuclear power in Thailand’s PDP was shaped by knowledge production and discourse. The research also aims to explore the following: i) identify key actors involved in producing nuclear knowledge and discourse; ii) assess gaps in knowledge production by the actors contesting the Thailand’s PDP, including assessing risks and their allocation, the Fukushima disaster, and the suitability of Ubon Ratchathani as a potential site for a nuclear power station and; iii) assess the power and politics of ‘nuclear policy networks’, to understand who influenced the debate most, how this was achieved and why. This research used four concepts to explore and analyze problems of knowledge production, circulation and consumption, regarding plans for nuclear power in Thailand which includes: i) Science, technology and society; ii) policy networks; iii) the politics of scale and; iv) discourses and knowledge production. The research used different tools to collect data from both primary and secondary sources, including: desk-based qualitative documentary research; interviews with experts; focus groups; in-depth interviews, informal interviews and observations. Fieldwork research was conducted in Kham Kuean Kaeo sub-district, Sirindhorn District, Ubon Ratchathani Province to better understand what knowledge has been disseminated (to the public) and what discourses had taken place, so as to assess the decision making process concerning whether Thailand should proceed with a nuclear power station in Ubon Ratchathani Province. This research looks at discourses produced by actor-networks concerning four themes: i) power demand and the role of nuclear power; ii) Fukushima; iii) risks and safety; and iv) climate change. The research found that the discourses produced are contested. These discourses were also influenced by policy networks, so as to shape public understanding about considering energy technological choices and impacts it might entail. The proposed nuclear power plant project in Ubon Ratchathani opened many debates. Local communities in Kham Kuean Kaew and Hua Sapan shared key concerns about well-being and local resources, such as using water for cooling the nuclear reactor, as they depend on it for making local livelihoods. In conclusion, limited or insufficient public deliberation in the nuclear debate suggests an inequality of participation that affects the quality of public engagement in the decision making process about whether or not a nuclear power station should be constructed in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The research found that deliberative environmental governance is essential for local people to participate in decision making processes, as potential impacts from an operating nuclear power plant would have direct impacts on their health and local resources they depend upon.