Public Perception of the Nuclear Research Reactor in Thailand

This study explored perception from the public regarding the future nuclear research reactor construction in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand, using the structural equation modeling technique. Primary data were collected from the public residing within five kilometers of the proposed reactor site. Three exogenous latent variables were consisted of social status, information perception, and trust. Three endogenous variables - risk perception, benefit perception, and technology acceptance - were proposed. The results from our structure showed that trust was the main exogenous variable that affected risk and benefit perceptions and technology acceptance. Social status, on the other hand, had a very little impact on those endogenous variables. Risk and benefit perceptions also influenced the acceptance of the nuclear research reactor.