Thailand's Data Center Model Addresses Community Concerns
Thailand's first community-engaged data center forum in Ban Chang, Rayong addressed local concerns about water, power, and resource management through transparent operational standards and public oversight commitments. Galaxy Data Center pl
Ban Chang, Rayong — As Thailand transitions into the AI era and positions itself as a premier regional destination for major digital infrastructure investments, a critical question emerges: How can large-scale data centers peacefully coexist with local communities, utilize power and water resources with maximum efficiency, and generate meaningful value for the host region?
This key question was addressed directly in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, located within the Eastern Economic Corridor of Technology and Innovation Platform. Silicon Tech Park Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Galaxy Data Center, organized "Ban Chang Talks: From Community Concerns to Verifiable Solutions." The open forum brought together local residents, community leaders, government representatives, and project developers to engage in direct dialogue, successfully translating local anxieties into measurable and auditable operational standards.
The forum was attended by representatives from the Rayong Provincial Energy Office, Provincial Waterworks Authority Ban Chang Branch, Silicon Tech Park Co., Ltd., and Galaxy Data Center.
Korravat Sukavat, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Galaxy Data Center, revealed that Phases 1 and 2 of the project target hyperscale IT loads, equipped with uninterruptible power supply systems and backup diesel generators to ensure continuous, high-availability operations.
Korravat emphasized that the project will not dismiss community concerns with generic claims like "it is entirely safe," nor will it deflect responsibility onto contractors. Instead, the enterprise will rely on transparent data, rigorous engineering standards, continuous monitoring, and a system open to public oversight as its definitive answers.
Resolving Ban Chang's 6 Hot-Button Issues into Auditable Metrics
Water Resource Management
The project has contributed over 37 million baht in funding support to the Provincial Waterworks Authority Ban Chang Branch to upgrade regional water supply infrastructure and lay dedicated supply pipelines into the site. The operational water supply strategy consists of approximately 35 percent treated municipal tap water and 65 percent raw water sourced from private suppliers, backed by a comprehensive dry-season contingency plan. Technically, the facility utilizes liquid cooling technology to maximize heat dissipation efficiency and recalculate water recirculation. Real-time water consumption volumes and water usage effectiveness metrics will be publicly disclosed, adhering to the core commitment that data center expansion must never compromise the community's local water security.
Backup Power and Fuel Storage Systems
On-site fuel storage tanks intended for backup diesel generators currently remain uncharged with fuel, awaiting official authorization and safety inspections prior to commissioning. The facility has established an emergency response plan, leak prevention systems, odor and vapor suppression measures.
