Government Tightens Data Center Controls, Board Meeting Set

The government is moving to tighten controls on data center operations in urban areas. Government spokesman Rachada Thanadirek revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Interior Minister are closely monitoring data center businesses after discovering that some operators may be exploiting legal gaps by obtaining permits to build warehouse-style structures, then installing data center systems without proper safety and environmental oversight.

To address these concerns, the Prime Minister has appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayuth to chair the Data Center Policy Board, with a meeting scheduled for September 4 to review and tighten existing laws, regulations, and guidelines across relevant agencies. The goal is to close regulatory gaps and establish systematic standards for the industry's expansion.

Separately, the Energy Ministry's Department of Energy Business has filed a complaint against a company operating on Rama 9 Road after discovering 200,000 liters of illegally stored oil in a data center building. Authorities removed the oil and the operator has ceased the activity. Under current law, oil storage exceeding 15,000 liters requires authorization and cannot exceed permitted amounts. The department filed the complaint on September 3 to pursue legal action.

Rachada stated that the rapid growth of the data center industry has forced the government to accelerate regulatory reforms. Currently, multiple agencies oversee different aspects of data center regulation but lack coordinated mechanisms to consider building use, fuel storage, safety, and community impacts holistically. The government supports data center investment as crucial to digital economy growth, but only under clear legal and safety standards. The September 4 board meeting aims to close regulatory loopholes while ensuring the industry grows safely and sustainably with public confidence.