Japan to work with Thailand on nuclear

TOKYO, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Japanese leaders pledged to support Thailand's nuclear power industry.

Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai made the promise during a meeting with Thai Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop in Japan last week, Jiji Press English News Service reported.

Liptapanlop asked that Japan provide assistance in technology transfer and personnel development.

Thailand's goal is to launch nuclear power on a commercial level by 2020. Japanese leaders also said they would help Thailand prepare relevant laws and public understanding of nuclear power.

The two ministers also agreed to continue the Association of Southeast Asian Nations program that trains Japanese officials as experts on energy conservation and new energy sources such as bioethanol.