Thailand targets data-centre loopholes after Bangkok fuel breach
Thailand will convene its first Data Centre Board meeting on September 4 to close regulatory gaps after a fuel-storage breach in Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is closely monitoring the operation of data centres in urban areas amid concerns that some businesses may be exploiting regulatory loopholes, government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said.
Some operators may be applying for construction permits by classifying their buildings as warehouses before installing equipment and operating them as data centres, she said. Such practices could leave gaps in safety and environmental oversight.
Anutin has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to chair the Data Centre Business Policy Committee, commonly referred to as the Data Centre Board.
The committee will hold its first meeting on Friday (September 4) to accelerate a review of relevant laws, regulations and government criteria. Its task will be to close regulatory gaps and establish systematic standards capable of supporting the rapid expansion of Thailand’s data-centre industry.
Fuel removed from Rama IX data centre
The Energy Ministry recently inspected a data-centre building on Rama IX Road after receiving a complaint about fuel stored inside the premises.
The preliminary inspection found that fuel had been stored without the required licence. Officials subsequently removed approximately 200,000 litres of fuel from the site, while the operator ended the unauthorised activity.
Under Thai law, anyone storing more than 15,000 litres of fuel must obtain a licence and may not exceed the volume authorised under that licence.
The Department of Energy Business is due to file a police complaint on Thursday (September 3) so that legal proceedings can be initiated.
Government seeks integrated oversight
Rachada said the rapid growth of the data-centre industry had made it necessary for the government to update its regulatory system to keep pace with investment.
Several government agencies currently oversee separate aspects of data-centre operations, but there is no mechanism linking their assessments across the full range of issues.
These include the permitted use of buildings, fuel storage, operational safety, environmental requirements and potential effects on surrounding communities.
“The government supports investment in the data-centre industry because it is important to Thailand’s digital economy,” Rachada said.
“However, investment must comply with clear laws and safety standards. The September 4 board meeting therefore aims to close regulatory loopholes so that the industry can grow alongside proper safeguards for safety, the environment and public confidence.”
