Bangkok data centre faces charges over illegal fuel storage

The company operating a data centre in Bangkok's Rama 9 Road faces criminal charges for storing over 200,000 litres of diesel illegally, according to Thailand's Ministry of Energy. The issue came to light after weeks of complaints from nearby residents and businesses about fuel-like odours. Energy Minister Thitiphat Chotidechachainun visited the site, located near Rama 9 Hospital, after receiving multiple reports of the smell, which intensified during heavy rain.

The Department of Energy Business, which conducted an inspection, found that the project, developed through a joint investment from an East Asian company, had installed tanks to store emergency backup generators with diesel without the necessary operating licence. Officials immediately ordered the removal of the fuel, which was subsequently extracted, leaving only residue.

Storing more than 15,000 litres of fuel without authorization violates Thailand's Fuel Control Act B.E. 2542 (1999), which can result in a prison sentence of up to two years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), has a policy against fuel storage facilities for data centre backup generators in urban community areas.

Prime Minister has also issued a directive to halt new permits for emergency backup fuel storage facilities nationwide, warning that anyone found illegally storing excess fuel will face the maximum penalty under the law. The BMA confirmed the case is part of a broader concern over data centre regulation, with Prime Minister appointing Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nititanprapas to chair a new Data Centre Policy Committee, which will meet on September 4 to review laws, close regulatory gaps, and establish standards to manage the industry's expansion.