Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have decided to delay construction on data center projects that have not yet commenced, pending a one-month review of new regulations. According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has mandated a temporary halt on any unconstructed data center projects. This pause will allow for a comprehensive review of new regulations, with a focus on enforcing stricter city planning guidelines. The BMA emphasized that this delay will not disrupt electricity and water services for the public.
Deputy Interior Minister, Mr. Polpeera Suwannachavi, reassured the public that the availability of electricity, water, and other urban planning services will remain unaffected. The Ministry of Interior, along with the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the Provincial Waterworks Authority, and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, is prepared to temporarily suspend power supply to data center projects that are yet to begin construction. This action is contingent upon the finalization of new measures by the committee, which will concentrate on urban planning, electricity services, and water supply.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt highlighted the progress in categorizing data centers within the industrial sector. He noted that this classification is pivotal in enhancing safety standards across five critical areas: conducting environmental impact assessments, implementing urban planning to designate suitable locations, enforcing building control laws concerning setback distances, overseeing fuel reserves with the Ministry of Energy, and ensuring the readiness of public utilities like water and electricity.
Currently, six data center projects in Bangkok have capacities ranging from 9 to 23 megawatts. Of these, three projects have received approval and have been operational since 2022-2024. The BMA plans to dispatch officials to conduct thorough on-site inspections to evaluate any impact on nearby communities, using the findings as a foundation for future strategies.
For the three remaining projects that lack final approval, Mr. Chatchart confirmed they will undergo a detailed review with relevant agencies. He anticipates a definitive policy resolution from the committee within one month.