Politics
Thai Government Mandates New Safety Standards for Data Centers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the establishment of new minimum safety and environmental standards for data centers, emphasizing that these facilities should not be located in city centers.
On September 11, 2026, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed regulatory agencies to develop comprehensive minimum standards for data centers operating within the country. According to Khaosod Online, the Prime Minister emphasized that these facilities should ideally be situated outside of densely populated city centers to prioritize public safety.
Following a discussion at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed that sub-committees have been tasked with establishing these new benchmarks. The requirements will cover economic, social, and environmental criteria. The government has set a one-month deadline for these committees to finalize the proposed standards.
For residents and expatriates, this development signals a potential shift in urban planning and infrastructure management. While data centers are essential for the digital economy, the government’s focus on safety and location suggests a move toward stricter oversight of industrial-scale technology infrastructure. It remains to be confirmed how these new regulations will impact existing facilities located in urban areas and what specific criteria will be used to define 'city center' locations. Further updates are expected within the next month as the sub-committees complete their review.
