Thailand paused 49 data centre projects under construction and 117 awaiting approval while it drafts common national rules. Officials counted 35 projects already operating. Four subcommittees have one month to propose standards covering water and electricity use, location, safety, environmental effects and the economic benefits the country expects from new investment.
Thailand's government temporarily paused 166 data centre projects until common national criteria are ready. Of those, 49 are under construction and 117 await approval from different agencies. Officials identified 35 projects already operating. The decision does not reject every application; it replaces a fragmented permit process with a review intended to consider resource needs, location and effects on nearby communities together.[1], [2]
Four subcommittees have one month to prepare the new criteria. Their work will cover water and electricity sources, sites, safety, environmental protection, infrastructure and the economic benefit investment should bring Thailand. Three pending applications in Bangkok will also remain on hold. City officials plan checks for noise, heat and safety at operating sites, with the findings feeding into the national rules.[1], [2]
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said some data centres could receive warehouse permits and thereby avoid environmental impact assessment. The national board likewise found that separate reviews of water, electricity and building permissions left no agency with the full picture. A dedicated business category and central register are proposed so officials can see where each facility sits and which resources it uses.[1], [2]
