Government Orders Data Center Rules Within One Month
Thailand's government has ordered comprehensive data center regulations within one month, establishing minimum standards for electricity, water, urban planning, and environmental protection while compiling all project information into a uni
The government is moving forward with major data center regulation. Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has ordered all project information compiled into a central dashboard within one week, before minimum standards are set within one month covering electricity, water, urban planning, buildings, environment, and digital security. He emphasized this is not about blocking investment but preventing burden on the public, while preparing to regulate data centers as a specific business sector.
Speaking after chairing the first data center policy committee meeting of 2025 on September 4 at Government House, Ekniti said the government has set a one-month deadline for clear policies and minimum standards to oversee all data centers. Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul assigned the committee to organize data centers not to block investment but to shift from fragmented departmental approvals to a national strategy that allows investment while protecting the public.
Ekniti noted that data centers are critical infrastructure for the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new technology business, but Thailand previously lacked central strategy. Multiple projects separately sought permits for electricity, water, and investment promotion from various agencies, leaving information scattered without a unified picture.
The meeting therefore ordered all data compiled within one week—including operational projects, those under construction, and those awaiting approval—to create a central dashboard showing uniform status across government agencies, covering data center information, electrical grids, urban plans, water sources, and relevant regulations.
"The committee will establish four working groups: economic value and national benefit; water, electricity, and digital infrastructure; land, buildings, and urban planning; and environment. Each must propose minimum standards and policy frameworks within next week before finalizing system-wide policy within one month," Ekniti said.
The deputy prime minister stressed that the key principle is setting minimum requirements to protect the public from economic, social, environmental, planning, building, safety, utility, and digital security impacts. These standards will apply to all projects—completed, under construction, and future ones.
Ekniti clarified that previously approved projects are not exempt from new standards because they concern public safety, though completed projects may have adjustment periods. Projects not yet started must wait for clear new measures.
After meeting minimum standards, new projects must compete by proposing maximum benefits for Thailand—not just investment size but demonstrating how they create Thai income, support artificial intelligence strategy, leverage Thai digital content, assist SMEs and entrepreneurs, and support Net Zero goals.
"The public need not worry. The government is not halting investment but setting minimum standards that do not harm people and maximize Thailand's benefit. Previously scattered efforts will be unified within one month," Ekniti said.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyanon Chidchob, serving as deputy committee chair, said the first meeting aimed to improve coordination across government agencies.
