Chinese-Backed IT Factory Construction Disrupts Rayong Community

Rayong residents have lodged complaints about a large Chinese-backed IT data center project that operates around the clock, causing severe environmental and quality-of-life impacts in their community. The 100-rai facility, located in Moo 6, Huai Maha community, Ban Khlong subdistrict, Ban Khlong district, features worker camps, construction cranes, and constant heavy truck traffic. Local resident Noi, 60, reported that the 24-hour construction generates deafening noise from pile driving, dust clouds, and air pollution that forced him and his family to relocate to rental housing elsewhere.

Noi stated that previous complaints to authorities have yielded no progress, calling for officials to investigate government accountability and environmental and safety impacts. Ban Khlong subdistrict headman Uthai Samaun noted that the site, on the edge of the Khlong Phraya-Phu Dor forest ridge with intact woodland and wildlife habitat, was formerly an abandoned golf course sold to Chinese investors without community consultation. He reported unauthorized canal filling to create construction space, disrupting public waterways, and no government agency has yet investigated or taken action.

The community remains deeply concerned about future environmental damage from massive electricity consumption, cooling systems, water use, wastewater, and electronic waste that could harm nearby canals. Officials are withholding final approval pending comprehensive environmental assessment. The project is listed as a large IT data center with 57,130.35 square meters of usable space, building dimensions of approximately 92 by 192 meters, and is currently under construction. No official statement has yet been provided by the project company or relevant government agencies.