Zero VOC readings after Bangkok data centre spill clean-up

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has reported zero volatile organic compound readings at monitoring points inside and outside DAMAC Digital Thailand’s Rama 9 data centre in Bangkok following an oil-spill clean-up. Follow-up checks with nearby communities are continuing.

More than 32 cubic metres of oil-contaminated wastewater and sediment were removed from external public drains and taken away for treatment and disposal. The operation also covered the wastewater holding pit inside the data centre.

Surin Worakijthamrong, the department’s director-general, said he joined PCD and Huai Khwang District Office officials to inspect the work on Monday (September 7, 2026).

Contaminated waste and sandbags removed

DAMAC Digital Thailand hired Genco, an industrial waste management specialist, to pump contaminated wastewater and sediment from the holding pit and external drainage system at its BKK 01 site. The clean-up ran from 2pm to 11.30pm on September 7.

Sandbags placed across the drains to prevent contaminated water from reaching Khlong Samsen were also removed and sent for treatment. The department said the waste was taken away for disposal in accordance with technical requirements.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin had instructed the PCD to oversee the response after oil from the data centre entered public drains. The priority was to prevent contamination from reaching natural waterways or affecting surrounding communities, while protecting public health and the environment.

Zero readings at monitoring points

After the contaminated material had been removed, officials measured air quality at the wastewater holding pit and three points in the external public drainage system.

At the wastewater holding pit inside the data centre, the readings were:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): 0 parts per million (ppm).
• Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S): 0 ppm.
• Flammability: 0% of the lower explosive limit (LEL).

At each of the three external public-drainage monitoring points, officials recorded the same results: VOCs at 0 ppm, hydrogen sulphide at 0 ppm and flammability at 0% LEL.

Surin said the results indicated that the operation had effectively reduced the spread of oil vapours and associated odours. He described the removal of the contaminated material as effective and safe.

Follow-up checks with residents

The PCD said monitoring would continue despite completion of the waste-removal operation and the zero readings recorded afterwards.

Officials returned to the area on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) to assess conditions around the data centre and speak to residents in neighbouring communities about any remaining oil odours or possible health effects.

Residents’ feedback will inform further assessment and measures to prevent a recurrence, the department said.