Thailand suspends 166 AI data center projects over resource concerns

Thailand has suspended 166 AI data center projects to conduct a review of electricity, water, and environmental requirements. The decision, made by the country's data center policy committee, includes 49 projects currently under construction and 117 pending approval applications.

Authorities are tasked with clarifying power and cooling water sources, construction locations, safety protocols, and potential impacts on local communities. The suspension aims to address challenges caused by decentralized licensing processes, which have made it difficult for regulators to assess the total resource demands of these facilities.

Globally, the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is facing similar resource constraints. In Scotland, a 500 MW AI data center project by DataVita has adjusted its power supply plans, moving from a direct connection to renewable sources to drawing electricity from the national grid, though the company maintains a commitment to renewable energy through purchase contracts.