The government is elevating the digital economy by approving the establishment of a Data Center Business Policy Committee to oversee energy security and stability in this sector.
On 5 August 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the Cabinet approved the draft Prime Ministerial regulation on the Data Center Business Policy Committee, as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt. This committee is established to set clear policies and guidelines for investment in the data center industry.
Ms. Ratchada added that the government’s policy to upgrade the economy and society toward a digital economy has attracted significant foreign investor interest in data centers. However, to ensure that these operations truly benefit the country without compromising energy security, natural resource use (water, electricity, land, environment), or data security, a strict regulatory framework is essential.
The committee’s structure includes: Chairperson – the Deputy Prime Minister designated by the Prime Minister; three Vice Chairpersons – the Ministers of Digital Economy and Society, Interior, and Energy; twelve ex officio members including Permanent Secretaries of Finance, Natural Resources and Environment, Energy, Interior, the Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office, and the Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office; plus up to three expert members appointed by the Prime Minister.
The committee’s duties include proposing policies, standards, and operational frameworks for state agencies in approving, licensing, or providing services to operators. It will also monitor and evaluate impacts, reporting to the Cabinet. The focus areas are: energy and water – promoting clean energy use, ensuring energy security and fair prices, and equitable water resource allocation; safety and urban planning – overseeing zoning, fire prevention, and national data security; environment and community – preventing and remedying environmental and community impacts while advancing toward carbon neutrality goals.
“The committee’s work aims to enhance public administration, clarify digital economy development, and prevent data center operations from undermining national energy security and water resource allocation,” Ms. Ratchada emphasized.