Supanut Meenachainant urges data center regulation in Thailand

Supanut Meenachainant, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party, has criticized the government for failing to implement regulatory frameworks for data centers despite warnings issued two years ago. He revealed a letter sent in October 2024 to Anutin Charnvirakul, then Minister of Interior, proposing policy measures to manage the rapid growth of data center facilities.

Supanut's proposal involves amending three key sets of laws to ensure community safety and environmental protection:

1. Building Control Act: Establishing clear definitions for data centers, setting safety standards for fuel and oil storage, and adjusting parking requirements.

2. City Planning Law: Formally categorizing data centers within urban planning and establishing appropriate zoning to prevent interference with residential areas.

3. Environmental Laws: Mandating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) based on the size and potential impact of the facilities.

Supanut stated that while he welcomes the current government's renewed interest in the matter, the delay has led to a reactive approach rather than proactive management. He emphasized that clear regulations would create a 'win-win' situation, providing investors with certainty regarding standards and locations while protecting citizens from safety and environmental risks.