Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (CU) in co - operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held a "Train the Trainer Workshop on Quality Assurance Program on Diagnostic Radiology Equipment" during 21 - 25 June 2004 at CU. The objectives of the Workshop were to be acquainted to the standard for testing of the diagnostic radiology equipment and to train the trainers in QC program of the machine.

The Workshop comprised of lectures and on - the - job training by IAEA's experts. There were around 30 participants from Professional Associations, Academic Institutes and Regulatory Authorities such as OAP and Department of Medical Sciences attended this Workshop.

From the review of medical exposure control, diagnostic radiology contributes the highest portion of radiation dose to population. This Workshop will enhance the control of equipment and safety in using this equipment to the patients.

Radiation Technique with silk powder

Research and development of silk powder by radiation for quality improvement value added products by using radiation processing silk powder as its component.

Office of Atoms for Peace, Department of Agriculture and Department of Medical Sciences have jointly operated this research project since 1997 in order to upgrade silk powder quality. They applied for a patent on "Production of Thai Silk Soap" and recently, being led by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, graciously offered this patent to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 6th cycle birthday. This is the first Thai silk powder product which obtained a patent both in Thailand and abroad.

The technique of applying Gamma radiation can degrade silk protein, causing it to dissolve more easily in water. In addition, this technique has been used for completely sterilizing silk protein powder. The neutron activation technique is fabulous for the determination of heavy metal residues in silk protein powder such as mercury, arsenic, zinc and magnesium. This investigation results in safer product for consumers.

Nowadays, many hundred tons of silk product waste are discarded every year. The value of raw silk waste costs only 40 - 90 million baht per year and the value of silk powder costs around 700 - 1,800 million baht per year. Meanwhile using silk powder as an ingredient in some products will increase the value of the product
5 - 10 fold. The effectiveness of silk powder research and development will enhance developing Thai economy. Furthermore, it will support mulberry agriculture and will be an alternative way of life for Thai farmers.

OAP/JAERI Joint Training Courses
on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness

The utilization of radiation and radioisotopes in various applications such as agriculture, medicine, industry and research and development has gradually increased in Thailand . Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), which is the government organization responsible for control and regulation of radiological safety and served as a center for technical coordination in case of radiological emergency accident, is very well aware of the importance of these responsibilities. Two OAP/JAERI Joint Training Courses on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness " were held at OAP recently in co - operation with Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute
(JAERI). The first course was conducted for personnel who has responsibilities to undertake intervention in emergency situation, such as police, firemen etc. during 24 - 25 June 2004. The second course was conducted for Radiological Emergency Working Group of OAP during 28 June - 2 July 2004. One of the significant parts of these courses was the practice of the "Reactor Emergency Exercise, REMEX - 47" on the last day. Assuming an emergency of the Thai Research Reator - 1/1, Emergency Control Center : ECC and Emergency Operation Center : EOC were based in OAP and all OAP staff attended this particular drill. (Please see photos)

Such kind of the training course and excersise is being conducted every year in accordance with the National Radiological Emergency Plan. Its aim is to prepare for the readiness of radiological emergency response and thus can promptly alleviate the harshness of radiological emergency when occurs.