Thailand targets mid-October data centre rules with proposed 100 MW hyperscale threshold
Thai data centres classed as industrial operations would have to be in designated estates, while electricity-use limits remain undecided.
- Thailand is developing new data center regulations with a target to finalize the framework by mid-October.
- A key proposal suggests classifying facilities that use 100 megawatts (MW) or more as "hyperscale" data centers.
- The new rules will govern facility size, location, and electricity consumption, with the Energy Ministry setting power usage limits.
- Data centers classified as industrial operations will be required to be located in designated industrial estates to avoid impacting residential areas.
Thailand’s new data centre rules are expected to take effect by mid-October 2026, according to Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The planned framework would cover facility size, electricity use and locations, with a requirement to avoid adverse effects on households.
Danucha, who also serves as a member and secretary of the committee overseeing data centre business policy, said agencies had submitted information to help shape the regulatory framework. The submissions cover existing operators, criteria for classifying data centres by size, and average electricity and water use.
Energy Ministry to determine data centre power-use limits
The Energy Ministry will determine the limits on data centres’ electricity use, Danucha said. A dedicated electricity tariff for data centre businesses already exists and would be applied.
Danucha proposes 100 MW threshold for hyperscale centres
Danucha suggested classifying data centres with power use of 100 megawatts (MW) or more as hyperscale facilities. The final threshold remains subject to the policy committee’s consideration.
Data centres that meet the criteria for classification as industrial operations would have to be located in designated industrial estates under the planned rules, Danucha explained. The arrangements must not adversely affect households.
Data centre policy drafting to follow one-month review
The committee overseeing data centre policy set a one-month period to reach conclusions after its first meeting on September 4, Danucha said. Drafting of a policy specifically for data centres would begin once the detailed information and requirements for the sector had been finalised.
Danucha said the remaining work had to be completed within the mid-October timetable because several parties were waiting for clarity. A coordinated decision-making mechanism would also be needed to avoid fragmented oversight, while the agency that would lead the work had yet to be determined.
