BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the first meeting of the Data Center Business Policy Committee on Friday, tasking government agencies with establishing regulatory measures to boost confidence and address public concerns regarding resource consumption and legal compliance.
Speaking at Government House, Anutin acknowledged the growing public anxiety over data center developments, particularly in urban areas, due to high electricity and water consumption, environmental impacts, and potential legal loopholes used by some operators to lower costs.
He noted that Thailand has attracted significant interest from foreign and domestic investors due to its infrastructure readiness and strategic location in ASEAN. However, the rapid expansion requires a balanced framework to protect national interests, advance clean energy goals, and support the long-term digital economy.
The committee will focus on defining the legal status of data centers, setting industry standards, promoting renewable energy usage, and strengthening cybersecurity and data protection. Anutin emphasized that future energy supply for these facilities must align with Thailand’s net-zero targets by prioritizing green energy sources over fossil fuels. (TNA)
