Thailand Launches Data Center Policy Board
Thailand's Cabinet approved a Data Center Business Policy Committee to oversee investment and develop the sector's digital infrastructure, with a deputy prime minister leading the 21-member board that will evaluate projects based on economi
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Data Center Business Policy Committee, as announced by the government office on August 5th, to set investment direction and integrate oversight of the country's data center sector. The move aims to accommodate rising investment and advance Thailand's digital infrastructure development.
The committee will be chaired by a Deputy Prime Minister appointed by the Prime Minister, with vice-chairs from the ministries of Digital Economy and Society, Interior, and Energy, alongside secretaries and officials from relevant agencies—over 21 members in total. The Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) serves as a committee member and secretary.
The committee's primary duties include proposing data center policies and standards to the Cabinet, monitoring and assessing investment impacts, appointing subcommittees, and implementing tasks assigned by the Cabinet or Prime Minister. When evaluating data center projects, the board will apply four critical dimensions: (1) economic benefits to the country, (2) clean energy use, energy security, and appropriate energy pricing, (3) efficient resource allocation covering electricity, water, urban planning, safety, and environmental protection aligned with carbon-neutrality goals, and (4) safeguarding national data sovereignty and security.
Government agencies may submit obstacles they encounter to the committee for review and remedial recommendations to the Cabinet. Once Cabinet approval is obtained, relevant agencies must implement the decisions and report results to the committee every three months, ensuring Thailand's data center policy advances effectively and sustainably.
