BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered provincial authorities to take stronger legal action against foreign nationals accused of violating Thai laws, while calling for tighter oversight of data centres and improved disaster preparedness.
Speaking at a meeting on the Interior Ministry’s policy implementation, Anutin said foreigners who live and work in Thailand legally and do not take advantage of Thai people are welcome. However, he said authorities should act fully against those who behave aggressively, threaten others or exploit local communities.
He specifically cited Phuket, Surat Thani and other provinces where authorities have been dealing with such cases, instructing governors to make full use of existing laws. Anutin also addressed cases involving foreign nationals seeking to establish religious sites or other facilities, saying applications must comply with Thai laws and respect local society and culture. He said the government was prepared to deport foreigners who violate the law, but that legal penalties and compensation for damages should be dealt with before deportation. He also called for closer coordination between the Interior Ministry and police during enforcement operations, including better control of sensitive information to prevent details of planned operations from being leaked.
Anutin said the government is also establishing a board to oversee data centres, noting that Thailand does not yet have dedicated legislation specifically governing the sector. He said data centres can bring substantial foreign investment, but also consume significant amounts of electricity, water and fuel and generate considerable heat. The new framework is intended to establish regulations covering investment, resource use and environmental impacts. Thai PBS and other reports confirmed the planned oversight board and proposed dedicated regulations.
Anutin said the government could not expect every aspect of data-centre investment to benefit all sides equally, while still seeking investment and employment. He instructed relevant agencies, including public works, provincial administration, disaster prevention, electricity and water authorities, to share information and coordinate their work. He also referred to reports of fuel storage associated with a data centre in Bangkok, saying that if such activity had taken place without proper authorisation, it must be dealt with under the law.
On disaster management, Anutin praised the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and provincial governors for their response to recent incidents, but called for greater preparedness and monitoring through the end of the year as heavy rainfall is expected to continue. He also instructed the Interior Ministry to accelerate plans for a forward operating structure in the southern border provinces following a National Security Council decision to integrate administrative officials, military, police and security agencies, with district chiefs serving as team leaders. Anutin said provincial authorities should work confidently and make full use of their legal powers while maintaining coordination across agencies. (TNA)
