Governor Chadchart held an urgent briefing on the issue of Data Centers locating in central Bangkok, announcing that permits for three of six sites have been delayed.
On 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at Bangkok Metropolitan Hall (Sao Chingcha), Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, along with representatives from the Department of Energy Business, Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), jointly held a press conference to explain oversight measures for Data Centers in Bangkok.
Governor Chadchart revealed that the BMA has not ignored this issue and in the past 2–3 weeks has ordered a halt on new Data Center permits. Currently, Bangkok has six standalone Data Centers; three have been licensed since 2023, while the remaining three (including areas near Rama 9) have had their permits delayed and been sent back for review of relevant standards.
The governor explained concerns about the lack of a clear legal definition for Data Centers, which had led to their permits being interpreted as general buildings like warehouses. They were not classified as businesses requiring Environmental Impact Assessments or industrial factory permits. However, following the government's official definition announced on 13 August, the BMA is urgently reviewing urban planning laws, building controls, and environmental impact assessments, as well as investigating complaints about noise from emergency generator tests at night and the suitability of Data Center locations near medical facilities.
Utility agencies confirmed there is currently no impact on residents. Mr. Kasem Sarathonghuk, Assistant Governor of MEA, stated that Data Centers in Bangkok consume about 20 megawatts (actual use around 8 megawatts), less than large shopping malls. MEA has separated their power supply systems for safety. Meanwhile, Mr. Supichet Thawornthaweewong, Deputy Governor of MWA, said large Data Centers use about 7,800 cubic meters of cooling water monthly, which is less than large hospitals (20,000 cubic meters) and shopping malls (30,000–40,000 cubic meters), so water supply is not affected.
Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, stated the Ministry has ordered a suspension on approving emergency generator fuel tanks (up to 500,000 liters) installation at all Data Centers pending new comprehensive impact assessment criteria. A Data Center board meeting is scheduled for the coming Friday. She also dispelled rumors about fuel storage of 400,000 liters at Ramkhamhaeng 28 alley, confirming the information was incorrect and no permits were granted. Any illegal excessive fuel storage will be prosecuted immediately under the law.