A preliminary study of knowledge of and attitudes of the public in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Southern provinces of Thailand toward nuclear power plants

การศึกษาเบื้องต้นเกี่ยวกับความรู้และทัศนะคติของประชาชนในจังหวัดประจวบคีรีขันธ์และจังหวัดทางภาคใต้ที่มีต่อโรงไฟฟ้านิวเคลียร์

Name: Narongweth Boontem

LCSH: Nuclear power plants -- Prachuap Khiri Khan

LCSH: Nuclear power plants -- Public opinion

LCSH: Public opinion -- Prachuap Khiri Khan

Abstract: This study was conducted under the premise that Thailand’s energy needs will be well served by nuclear power. The purpose of this survey research was to investigate the level of information received by the public concerning the nuclear power plant at Prachuap Khiri Khan and Southern provinces. As well, this study examined public knowledge and attitudes regarding the nuclear power plant. The sample consisted of 330 people, 18 years old or above, living in Prachuap Khiri Khan and nearby Southern provinces. Data were collected by selfadministrated questionnaires completed during August and September, 2007. Percentage calculation and Pearson Chi-Square test were performed for the statistical analysis. Results revealed that most of the public (63%) had not received information concerning the nuclear power plant. The channels through which people received information were television (47%), newspaper (30%), radio (17%), and others (5%). Information received through the media was mostly about accidents at the plant (26%), general knowledge of the plant (23%) and the impact of the plant on humans and the environment (22%). The majority of people preferred to receive information on the plant through television (46%), newspapers (27%), radio (22%), and others such as internet (6%). Most needed information discussed the impact of the plant on lives and the environment (32%) as well as the national and local benefits from constructing the plant (18% and 14% respectively). In general, 80% of the public had no knowledge concerning the plant and only 20% marked correct answers. The samples had received the information and they could mark the correct answer (39%). The Chi- Square test showed that the level of education and clear information received by individuals related to public knowledge (p < 0.05). In addition, most people in the sample had negative attitudes toward the plant. Regarding the opinion toward the construction of nuclear power plants for electricity generation in Thailand, 56% of those sampled were uncertain, 32% were in disagreement, and 12% were in agreement. Individual factors including age, education, and the receipt of information related to attitudes according to Chi-Square test (p < 0.05). The results indicated that highly-educated people had better attitudes and were more knowledgeable about the plant than poorly-educated ones. People who had received information had better attitudes and were more knowledgeable about the plant than those who had never received it, and young (18-34 years) and middle-aged adults (35-49 years) had better attitudes towards the plant than older people (
50 years). These findings suggest that the dissemination of correct and true information about the facts of nuclear power for electricity generation to the general and local public and early education regarding the basic concepts of radiation and nuclear energy will improve the factual understanding of people. This information can also change attitudes which might lead to public acceptance and participation in decision making on electricity generation concerning nuclear power in Thailand.

Mahidol University

Address: NAKHONPATHOM

Email: liwww@mahidol.ac.th

Name: Malulee Tuntawiroon

Role: Thesis Advisors

Created: 2009

Modified: 2553-06-18

Issued: 2010-06-18

วิทยานิพนธ์/Thesis

application/pdf

CallNumber: TH N232p 2009

eng

Spatial: Prachuap Khiri Khan

DegreeName: Master of Science

Level: Master's Degree

Descipline: Radiological Science

Grantor: Mahidol University

©copyrights Mahidol University

ลำดับที่.	ชื่อแฟ้มข้อมูล	ขนาดแฟ้มข้อมูล	จำนวนเข้าถึง	วัน-เวลาเข้าถึงล่าสุด
1	4736336.pdf	4.62 MB	80	2021-01-23 12:57:30

ใช้เวลา

0.219243 วินาที