Clean-up underway at Bangkok data centre oil leak site

Clean-up operations are underway at an oil-contaminated data centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is overseeing the removal of oil-contaminated wastewater and sediment from the facility, located on Rama 9 Road. The contamination risk posed a threat to a nearby canal, prompting a swift response from officials.

The data centre operator is responsible for treating and disposing of the affected wastewater. Sandbags are being used both inside and outside the building to contain the oil-contaminated water. The operator has confirmed that none of the water used during the clean-up process will be released into the environment. Once the clean-up is finished, the PCD will conduct further testing to ensure the site has been properly managed and to prevent any ongoing risks to residents and the environment.

The contamination was discovered on September 3 after complaints were raised on social media about a fuel-like smell near Soi 6, Rama 9 Road, in the Bang Kapi subdistrict of Huai Khwang district. The PCD and Bangkok officials have also inspected two other data centres in Suan Luang to assess their operating systems and safety measures, as part of broader efforts to regulate data centre expansion in the city.