Thai energy officials sue Rama 9 data center over unauthorized diesel storage

The Department of Energy Business is pursuing legal action against a data center located in the Rama 9 area of Bangkok after discovering approximately 200,000 liters of unauthorized diesel fuel stored on-site. The investigation was triggered by resident complaints regarding strong fuel odors that had persisted for over two months, causing symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting in nearby citizens.

Inspectors found six large tanks, each with a capacity of 40,000 liters, located in the building's basement. The fuel was intended for use with emergency generators, but the facility lacked the necessary permits required under the Fuel Oil Control Act B.E. 2542. Authorities have ordered the complete removal of the fuel, which operators have reportedly already completed.

Legal proceedings are being filed at Makkasan Police Station. If found guilty, violators face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. In response to the incident, the Ministry of Energy plans to coordinate with urban planning and electricity authorities to establish stricter zoning and safety regulations for data centers in densely populated urban areas.