Lawmaker Demands Government Regulate Data Centers
A Bangkok lawmaker demanded the government regulate data centers after inspections found illegal fuel storage exceeding 100,000 liters, prompting officials to suspend new permits and establish oversight standards.
On September 3, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., the House of Representatives held a parliamentary session where Bangkok lawmaker Supanat Mainchainun of the People's Party posed an urgent question to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister regarding data center problems. Since the Prime Minister was unavailable, Energy Minister Eknath Promptabandhu responded on his behalf.
Mainchainun raised public concerns about data center oversight, particularly regarding safety risks from fuel storage exceeding hundreds of thousands of liters in buildings housing data centers. He noted that some facilities have proper fuel storage permits while others lack clear authorization or licenses. He criticized Bangkok and the national government for failing to control data centers that exploit legal loopholes. He cited three major violations: misclassifying data centers as warehouses in construction permits, allowing data centers anywhere without violating zoning laws, and exempting even large facilities from environmental impact assessments. Mainchainun complained the government has ignored the issue for two years and questioned when regulations would be implemented. He also criticized the lack of public access to data center information and stressed that without environmental assessment requirements, there is no transparency for public scrutiny.
Promptabanduh acknowledged concerns and reported that inspections of a data center in the Rama IX area found fuel storage exceeding 100,000 liters without permits, leading to legal action. He announced a comprehensive inspection of all Bangkok data centers and stated that unauthorized fuel storage violates law. He confirmed the government established a Data Center Committee on August 5, 2025, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Eknit Nitithanpraphas, to regulate data centers nationwide and ensure they comply with environmental and legal standards while supporting economic growth.
Promptabanduh stated the government would immediately suspend new data center permits until regulations are finalized. No reserve fuel storage will be allowed in Bangkok, and no new facilities will open without proper controls. Future data centers must undergo environmental impact assessments and comply with zoning laws. He anticipated the regulatory framework would be completed within months, with laws and ministerial regulations finalized shortly. After implementation, data center electricity users will be classified separately.
