BANGKOK – Thai authorities have intensified their search for a missing capsule containing radioactive material in Thailand’s central province of Prachin Buri.
Local media reported that drones were also being used to locate the cylinder.
The capsule, weighing 25kg and measuring 13cm in diameter and 10cm long, was reported missing on March 10 during routine checks by staff at National Power Plant 5A Company, which operates the power plant.
The cylinder was part of a silo containing caesium-137, a highly radioactive substance. Caesium-137 is produced through nuclear fission, and is commonly used in radiation gauges in mining to measure the density of certain materials.
In a statement, the Office of Atoms and Peace said search teams equipped with radiation detectors have been deployed to search for the missing cylinder, including at 26 recycling centres and factories in Si Maha Phot district.
“To date, the search teams have not found the cylinder containing caesium-137,” it said.
National Power Plant 5A Company offered a 100,000 baht (RM13,108) cash reward, an increase from the previous 50,000 baht, for anyone who can provide information leading to the recovery of the radioactive cylinder. – Bernama, March 16, 2023
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