Chadchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, revealed the inspection results of 49 data centers throughout Bangkok and ordered a delay in approving permits for new projects, awaiting clear definitions and guidelines from the committee within two weeks.
Chadchart Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, held a press conference on the progress of inspecting data centers in Bangkok. He stated that Bangkok's data centers are divided into two groups: 43 located within general buildings, mostly small with electricity usage not exceeding 2 megawatts, and 6 stand-alone centers, of which 3 are operational and 3 have had their permit approvals delayed. Regarding fuel storage among the 43 buildings, 31 use small generators and thus do not require permits, while 12 centers store more than 15,000 liters of fuel and have obtained the proper permits.
The Governor of Bangkok further disclosed that the city has set strict inspection guidelines focusing on five key areas for continuous random checks:
1. Building standards must have international standard certification.
2. Resource usage, including fuel storage, water, and electricity consumption, must comply with regulations.
3. Impact on people and the environment, covering water and air pollution, health risks, heat effects, and noise pollution.
4. Fire prevention measures.
5. Preparedness and fire evacuation drills. This includes monthly random wastewater quality tests, real-time monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10 dust levels, biannual testing for Legionella bacteria in cooling tower mist, and measuring temperature and humidity at the source and within 500 meters of surrounding communities. Temperature variations within 24 hours are limited to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius.
"Currently, no new projects have been approved. I have ordered a delay in permit approvals to await clear definitions and operational guidelines from the Data Center Business Policy Committee, which is expected within two weeks," Chadchart said.