Thailand moves to tighten data centre rules

Thailand aims to tighten regulations on data centres as the AI sector rapidly expands. Currently, there are about 35 active data centres, with 49 under construction and 128 projects either approved or under review. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need to align regulations with laws, standards, and national interests.

Around 49 sites currently under construction are urged to hold their projects until clearer regulations are in place, expected next month. Government officials stated they cannot suspend the construction of these 49 data centres as they are only requested to cooperate in halting the projects if they wish. Microsoft and Google have announced significant investments in Thailand's cloud and AI data centre infrastructure, with Microsoft committing over $1 billion and Google launching a new cloud region in Bangkok.

However, concerns have arisen about the lack of regulations, leading to data centres being constructed without proper consideration. The energy ministry recently expressed concerns over a Bangkok data centre stockpiling 200,000 liters of diesel without permission, and Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that six applications for standalone data centres have been received, with three operating and three others paused for review.