Suphanat pressures the government to regulate Data Centers after uncovering legal loopholes exploited in establishment permits. Meanwhile, Eknat explains efforts to expedite regulation announcements and orders comprehensive inspections of all buildings in Bangkok.
At 10:45 a.m. on 3 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the House of Representatives convened with Sopon Sarum as chair to consider an urgent question from MP Suphanat Meenachainan of the Prachachon Party representing Bangkok. Suphanat questioned Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul about issues concerning Data Centers. The Prime Minister, occupied with other duties, delegated Energy Minister Eknat Promphan to respond.
Suphanat asked about public concerns over Data Center oversight, especially regarding safety related to the storage of hundreds of thousands of liters of fuel in some Data Center buildings. Some facilities have proper fuel storage permits, but others’ licensing status is unclear. The problem is that Bangkok and the government lack control, allowing illegal Data Centers to exploit legal loopholes and operate unlawfully in central Bangkok.
The issues include: 1. Construction permits for Data Centers obtained by claiming the buildings are warehouses.
2. Allowing Data Centers to be established in any area without violating zoning laws.
3. No requirement to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), regardless of size. For two years, the Prime Minister, as Interior Minister, has been aware of the Data Center problems but has not resolved them. What corrective measures will be taken?
Suphanat said he does not want a government that acts only after problems arise, like a cat chasing mice or locking the stable after the horse is gone. Instead, he expects Data Center regulations to be issued promptly. So far, the Prime Minister has neglected this issue, and the public has very limited access to Data Center information—such as how many exist and how many are licensed. When applying for construction permits, applicants claim to build warehouses, not Data Centers. The lack of EIA requirements means no public scrutiny, and no local permits are needed, so everything is concealed. He wants to know when Data Center regulation will be completed.
Energy Minister Eknat Promphan, responding on behalf of the Prime Minister, stated that the government is seriously moving forward with inspections and regulation of Data Centers in Bangkok after discovering large fuel storage for backup use, which may pose safety risks to the public.
Eknat added that the Ministry of Energy began on-site inspections last week, finding unauthorized fuel tanks exceeding 150,000 liters. Legal action has been initiated, and a comprehensive sweep of all Data Centers in Bangkok will follow. Those operating without permits will face strict prosecution, with penalties including up to two years imprisonment.
The Energy Minister emphasized that the government views Data Centers not only from an investment or economic perspective but also must consider safety, environment, energy use, and resource management. The problems have accumulated over 3-4 years, with some fuel tanks installed since 2020, necessitating urgent regulatory clarity.
"If fuel is used for backup power in Bangkok communities, it is not currently permitted. Therefore, regulations must be revised. Inspections will continue until assurance is obtained that operations benefit the economy without harming the public, along with appropriate resource use guidelines for water and electricity," Eknat said. Eknat further stated,
He disclosed discussions with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to suspend relevant operations during investigations. He acknowledged that a full Data Center system inspection will take time, expecting it to require "several months" to ensure thoroughness and rigor.
The Cabinet resolved on 5 August 2026 GMT+7 to issue Prime Minister's Office regulations and establish a Data Center Committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. This aims to coordinate new regulations to enable efficient Data Center development that benefits the economy while protecting the environment and managing resources responsibly.
Eknat stressed that Data Centers involve multiple agencies, including those responsible for construction permits, environmental impacts, energy use, and water resources. Therefore, an integrated approach across ministries is necessary. He emphasized the strict enforcement of existing laws during the transition to new regulations.