Bangkok suspends three data center projects for safety review

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has suspended three plans for new standalone data centers to conduct a re-examination of safety and environmental standards. The decision follows concerns regarding fuel storage, land use, and the impact on electricity and water resources.

In a joint announcement with the Ministry of Energy, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, officials noted that new regulations are being implemented to address resource consumption. The Ministry of Energy has also halted new permits for emergency fuel tanks for data centers until safety and environmental criteria are clarified.

Specific concerns were raised regarding a project on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 28, which may involve storing up to 500,000 liters of diesel for emergency generators, exceeding the current 200,000-liter limit. Another facility on Rama IX Road reportedly lacks any fuel storage permits. BMA Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized that new standalone facilities must be evaluated differently than existing internal corporate facilities that have operated for over a decade.