Ban Chang talks unveil data center-community model: turning 6 key issues into transparent solutions

Ban Chang, in Rayong, Thailand, is embracing the AI era and aiming to become a leading regional hub for significant digital infrastructure investments. As part of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Technology and Innovation Platform (EECtp), a data center project in Ban Chang District faced concerns from local residents, community leaders, and government representatives.

Silicon Tech Park Co., Ltd., in partnership with Galaxy Data Center, organized an open forum, "Ban Chang Talks: From Community Concerns to Verifiable Solutions," to address these concerns. The forum included representatives from the Rayong Provincial Energy Office, Provincial Waterworks Authority (Ban Chang Branch), the project developers, and Galaxy Data Center.

The project's Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Mr. Korravat Sukavat, highlighted that Phases 1 and 2 of the project focus on hyperscale IT loads with UPS systems and backup diesel generators. He assured that the project will not overlook community concerns or delegate responsibility to contractors, but rather use transparent data, rigorous engineering standards, continuous monitoring, and public oversight.

Key issues were transformed into auditable metrics:

1. Water Resource Management: The project contributed over 37 million THB to the Provincial Waterworks Authority for water supply infrastructure upgrades. A 35% treated municipal tap water and 65% raw water source strategy, backed by a contingency plan, will be monitored and disclosed.

2. Backup Power & Fuel Storage Systems: Fuel storage tanks are awaiting authorization. An emergency response plan, leak prevention, odor suppression, and fire suppression systems are in place. Acoustic mitigation and EMF emissions will be publicly disclosed.

3. Construction Waste Management: Non-compliant subcontractors were terminated, and a formal waste management pipeline has been established. Thai labor recruitment is prioritized, and long-term talent development initiatives are being implemented.

4. Telecommunications Network Infrastructure: The project primarily uses existing Thailand trunk infrastructure, minimizing physical impacts on local roads and community spaces.

5. The Ban Chang Community Advisory Council will oversee transparency, with representatives from local residents, educational institutions, religious organizations, vulnerable social groups, and local businesses. The framework for the "Galaxy – Ban Chang Shared Value Fund" aims to improve healthcare, support vulnerable populations, enhance education, stimulate the economy, protect the environment, and improve overall quality of life.