Crisis Management Audit of Radioactive Material Administration:
Insights from the State Audit Office of Thailand
The State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand (SAO) recently conducted a comprehensive audit into the administration and control of radioactive materials by the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
This audit aligns with SAO's commitment to crisis management and public safety oversight, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent potential hazards arising from the mismanagement of radioactive materials.
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Audit Scope and Objectives
This audit focused on evaluating the performance and efficiency of OAP in managing radioactive materials, particularly in the following areas:
1. Licensing and Database Management: Ensuring the integrity and timeliness of the licensing process for entities handling radioactive materials and the adequacy of centralized database systems.
2. Inspection Compliance: Verifying the adherence to planned inspection targets for establishments using radioactive materials across industrial, medical, and research sectors.
3. Waste Management Oversight: Assessing the governance of radioactive waste, including data completeness and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements.
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️Key Audit Findings
1. Delays in Licensing and Database Weaknesses
The audit revealed significant delays in the issuance of licenses. As of July 10, 2024, 11 license applications remained unresolved due to a shortage of radiation safety officers. Additionally, the licensing process for 100 applications exceeded the prescribed timelines outlined in public service guidelines.
The lack of an integrated, real-time database further compounded inefficiencies, hindering effective regulatory oversight and inter-agency coordination.
2. Shortcomings in Inspection Programs
The inspection performance of OAP's operational units fell short of targets. For instance, the Radioactive and Nuclear Materials Inspection Unit failed to inspect 30.52% of targeted establishments in FY2024.
Similarly, inspections in the industrial sector recorded deficits of 50.91% in FY2024 and 13.10% in FY2026. These gaps pose significant risks, particularly for high-hazard operations.
3. Inadequate Radioactive Waste Management
OAP lacked a robust system to track the management of radioactive waste. Many license holders failed to report waste disposal practices, maintain accurate records of radioactive materials, or comply with mandatory reporting of discharges.
The absence of a centralized, comprehensive waste management database raised concerns about the long-term safety and accountability of radioactive material disposal.
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Recommendations for Crisis Management Improvement
To address these critical issues, the SAO proposed the following recommendations for OAP:
1. Develop a Centralized Database System: Implement an integrated platform to streamline data sharing across departments and enhance regulatory efficiency.
2. Strengthen Monitoring Frameworks: Establish clear and actionable guidelines for tracking and following up on license applications, inspections, and waste management.
3. Modernize Inspection Procedures: Update operational manuals and adopt digital solutions to improve the effectiveness of inspections and reporting mechanisms.
4. Accelerate Digital Transformation Projects: Invest in digital tools and technologies to support real-time monitoring of radioactive materials and ensure compliance.
5. Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Provide training and resources to staff and regulated entities to foster compliance and understanding of safety protocols.
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Significance of the Audit
The findings underscore critical gaps in crisis management and the administration of radioactive materials, which, if unaddressed, could lead to severe public safety and environmental consequences.
The audit highlights the urgency of adopting international standards of safety, security, and safeguards—commonly referred to as the 3S Framework—to ensure Thailand's radioactive material management aligns with global best practices.
By shedding light on these deficiencies, the SAO emphasizes the importance of proactive crisis management in addressing risks associated with hazardous materials. The insights from this audit serve as a vital roadmap for OAP and other regulatory bodies to enhance their operational resilience and public accountability.
In conclusion, through this crisis management audit, SAO demonstrates its capacity to identify systemic vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations, ensuring that Thailand continues to safeguard its citizens and natural resources in compliance with international standards.
This audit serves not only as a benchmark for national reform but also as a model for global engagement in public accountability and safety governance.
Summarized by
Dr. Sutthi Suntharanurak
7 Jan 2025
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JyFrFGHSEnSYPk3oFmv-9qmifrBYRM9-