Ruling out construction of nuclear power plants, Thailand's military junta has said it will look into coal powered power plants to meet energy needs of the country.

Bangkok: Ruling out construction of nuclear power plants, Thailand's military junta has said it will look into coal powered power plants to meet energy needs of the country.

National Council for Peace and Order chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said officials have been asked to come up with an energy plan that is secure, affordable and sustainable.

A robust strategy to address energy issues is needed to achieve energy security, he said.

Noting that building a nuclear plant was not possible, Gen Prayuth said he had asked authorities to study the possibility and necessity of building a coal-fired power plant and examine its impacts on human health and the environment.

However, he did not specify as where the coal-fired power plants would be built. He also stressed the need of renewable energy sources.

PTI