Rama IX data centre investigated after residents report oil-like smell
Pollution officials are testing water near a Rama IX data centre after residents reported an oil-like smell, nasal irritation and skin itching.
- A data centre on Rama IX Road in Bangkok is being investigated by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) after residents reported a strong, oil-like smell causing irritation.
- Inspectors found an oily film and smell in the facility's drainage system, with the operator admitting to an accidental fuel spill that occurred while a contractor was testing backup generators.
- Water samples were collected for lab analysis, and the data centre operator has been ordered to clean the drainage system and implement preventative measures within seven days.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to urgently investigate complaints of a strong oil-like odour near a data centre on Rama IX Road in Bangkok.
Residents reported on social media that the smell around Soi Rama IX 6, Rama IX Road, Bang Kapi subdistrict of Huai Khwang district, caused nasal irritation and itching.
Suchart said he had instructed the PCD to identify the source as quickly as possible, particularly around the data centre located close to the area where complaints were reported.
The department is coordinating with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other relevant agencies to examine cooling systems, backup power equipment, fuel storage and drainage systems to determine the cause and prevent further effects on nearby communities.
“The PCD must take residents’ concerns seriously and clearly identify where the problem is coming from,” Suchart said.
“If pollution is found to have been caused, action must be taken under the law and the problem must be resolved quickly so that the public is affected as little as possible.”
Oily residue found in drainage system
PCD Director-General Surin Worakitthamrong said officials from the department and Huai Khwang District Office had inspected the data centre near the complaint site.
The facility has not yet officially begun operations and is currently testing its cooling system.
Inspectors found murky brown water containing sediment and an oily film at a drainage outlet leading outside the premises. The water also had an oil-like smell.
Samples were collected and sent to the PCD laboratory for analysis to identify possible contaminants and help determine their source.
According to preliminary information provided by the operator, a contractor was hired in July to test backup generators and placed fuel containers near a wastewater collection pit.
The operator said an accidental oil spill occurred, with fuel leaking onto the ground and entering the public drainage system.
The PCD said further scientific testing would be required to confirm the cause and establish whether the incident was connected to the pollution detected.
Tests also carried out in public drain
Officials also inspected a public drain in front of the building that connects to Khlong Samsen Nok.
The water there was also cloudy and contained sediment, residue and an oil-like smell. A second sample was collected to allow laboratory results from the two locations to be compared.
Results are expected within about seven days.
The PCD also carried out preliminary tests for total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the water using the headspace technique and a portable gas detector.
TVOC levels were measured at 6 parts per million (ppm) inside the company premises and 3 ppm in the public drain outside.
The department said the preliminary results indicated the presence of volatile organic compounds in the water and warranted close monitoring and prompt corrective action.
Operator ordered to clean drainage system
Huai Khwang District Office has ordered the operator to remove oil residue from the drainage system and ensure discharged water meets required standards.
The company must also introduce measures to prevent future oil leaks into drains and control oil-related odours and vapours that could affect nearby residents.
The corrective measures must be completed within seven days.
Authorities inspect other Bangkok data centres
As part of broader oversight of data-centre operations in Bangkok, Bangkok Deputy Governor Pornphrom Vikitsreth also visited Telehouse Thailand in Huai Khwang and DAMAC Digital Thailand (BKK02) in Suan Luang district.
Officials were briefed on the operations of the facilities and inspected systems potentially linked to pollution and safety, including cooling equipment, fuel-storage systems and backup power supplies.
The visits are intended to help authorities develop appropriate regulatory measures as Thailand’s data-centre industry expands.
Suchart said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry supported the growth of data centres while placing equal importance on environmental protection and residents’ quality of life.
Systems involving fuel, cooling and wastewater management must be governed by clear standards and safeguards against environmental impacts, he said.
“Investment and technological development must continue, but they must progress alongside environmental protection and care for the public,” Suchart said.
“We need to build confidence that data centres can coexist safely with communities. If problems arise, the PCD and relevant agencies must investigate and resolve them quickly.”
The PCD will continue monitoring laboratory results and coordinating with relevant agencies to determine the facts and develop appropriate solutions.
Members of the public can report pollution concerns through the PCD hotline 1650, the department’s Facebook inbox or Traffy Fondue platform.
