Lawmaker Warns Government Ignored Data Center Regulation Plan for Two Years

Suphanat Meenchaiyanan, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, revealed on September 5 that he had sent an official letter dated October 3, 2023, to then-Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warning about the impacts of data center growth and proposing policy recommendations to establish clear regulations and legal frameworks in advance. Over two years have passed with no government progress or action, until problems and public backlash prompted the administration to respond—what Suphanat called closing the gate after the horse has bolted.

Suphanat's proposal covered three key legal amendments to prevent data center expansion from harming communities and the environment: first, a Building Control Act clarifying data center definitions, establishing safety standards for fuel and backup oil storage systems, and updating parking requirements to match actual operational needs; second, an Urban Planning Act clearly classifying data centers as a building type and designating appropriate zoning areas away from residential neighborhoods; and third, an Environmental Act mandating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for data center construction based on scale and anticipated impact.

Suphanat expressed regret that the government delayed action, noting that had Anutin implemented these recommendations from the start, current problems and confusion could have been avoided. He stressed he does not oppose data center investment but wants Thailand to attract investment with clear rules, stating that transparent laws benefit everyone. Clear regulations would reassure the public about safety and environmental concerns while allowing investors to know permitted locations and required standards without exploiting legal loopholes, making unofficial payments, or risking future legal challenges.