A dangerous radioactive capsule that went missing from a power plant in Prachinburi Province, Thailand, has been found at a metal casting workshop, Governor Ronnarong Nakornjinda announced on March 19. All staff at the workshop were immediately ordered to evacuate.
Search teams scoured metal workshops across Prachinburi after a capsule containing caesium-137 mysteriously disappeared from the coal-fired power plant in Sri Maha Pho District on March 10.
On March 19, radiation levels were detected at the largest metal workshop in the province, located in Kabin Buri District, specifically from scrap metal that was being compressed into blocks for melting later that evening.
Officials promptly ordered the workshop to halt operations to prevent the radioactive capsule from being crushed and dispersed into multiple pieces.
All employees were instructed to leave the workshop to ensure safety. A perimeter was established to keep outsiders away from the area.
Radiation detected at the largest metal workshop in Prachinburi Province. (Photo: The Nation).
Metal capsule containing radioactive material. (Photo: Bangkok Post).
Governor Ronnarong Nakornjinda indicated that the radioactive capsule may have been stolen from the plant and sold to a scrap shop.
According to Ronnarong, caesium-137 has a half-life of about 30 years and can persist in the environment for up to 300 years. He warned that contact with the radioactive material could harm the skin, liver, and bone marrow.
A senior official responsible for atomic issues in Thailand stated that if the radioactive capsule were to break, individuals exposed directly would be at high risk of developing cancer and other serious illnesses.
The missing capsule is part of equipment used to measure steam pressure at the plant. Officials have not disclosed how much caesium-137 was contained in the capsule.
