Biden approves proposed U.S.-Thailand peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement

President Joe Biden issued a January 10, 2025 determination approving a proposed agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and Thailand. The memorandum said Biden had reviewed the agreement and agency views and determined that carrying it out would promote, and would not unreasonably risk, the common defense and security. Under section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, Biden authorized the secretary of state to arrange for the agreement’s execution and publish the determination in the Federal Register. The action mattered because 123 agreements create the legal framework for civil nuclear cooperation while requiring nonproliferation controls, safeguards, and congressional review.