2024 年 13 巻 2 号 p. 98-
In March 2023, there were two radiological incidents in Prachinburi province, Thailand which were interested to public as well as both national and international medias. The first emergency was a missing radioactive source of caesium-137 (Cs-137) contained in a metal cylindrical shielding from a radiation facility, and the second was the detection of metal ash contaminated caesium-137 at a metal foundry. It has not been confirmed whether those two emergency situations are linked to each other. The situations caused people confusing and concern about radiation health effects and the release of caesium-137 into the environment, which need to be considered in radiation measurements both people and the environment around the affected areas. Local and international medias were also interested to those radiological emergencies from which relevant organizations responded on press conference, media interview, public communications during the situations. There are challenges on emergency preparedness and response that need to be considered as lesson learns from the emergencies in Prachinburi for improving Thailandʼs systems and capabilities in preparedness and response in the case of radiological emergencies efficiently. This study presents scientific information on the radiological emergencies in Prachinburi and responding details of relevant organizations as the lesson learns and challenges for further improvement of radiological emergency preparedness and response in Thailand.
