Thailand rattled by reports of secret Burma nuke program
Friday, August 28, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
Authorities in Thailand are attempting to verify reports that the military regime in Burma is building a covert nuclear reactor as part of a program to build nuclear weapons within five years.
Thai National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri has ordered intelligence officials to check on reports provided by Burmese defectors. But as of early August, the Thai intelligence service had found no evidence of such a program.
However, Thawil warned that regional security could be undermined if BurmaÕs plan to build a nuclear weapon is verified.
Defectors from Burma have reported that the nuclear program was being developed with assistance from Russia and North Korea.
The Burmese opposition Mizzima News reported June 14 that the Burmese military junta was building an underground complex in the new capital at Naypyidaw with North Korean help.
The North Korean presence has fueled concern that the underground work may involve nuclear weapons development.