Sudarat questioned how the government and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration could issue construction permits for as many as 34 Data Centers in central Bangkok, despite these being illegal. The centers contain massive oil storage tanks, likened to keeping an arsenal of explosives in the city center.
On 4 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan posted on Facebook questioning how the government and BMA allowed construction permits for 34 Data Centers in central Bangkok, which illegally store huge amounts of oil—between 200,000 and 500,000 liters—comparable to storing bombs in the city center. She also raised suspicions of possible corruption, stating: “The cost is the (loss of) Thai lives with no one held responsible.”
She noted that Data Centers have proliferated across the city, but it is unclear how or who authorized their construction.
Despite major safety risks to the public and environment, previous and current governments have invited foreign investment in Data Centers and publicly touted this as a major success in attracting investment. However, no laws regulate Data Centers yet, leaving the risk to citizens with no government accountability—especially concerning the massive oil storage of 200,000 to 500,000 liters, akin to having a bomb outside one’s home, as well as noise pollution.
Khunying Sudarat also raised two questions to the authorities.
1) How did the government approve construction of 34 Data Centers in Bangkok and nearly 100 more in other provinces, with BOI investment promotion, yet lack criteria to protect Thai citizens?
2) How did the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration issue construction permits despite clear legal violations due to the massive oil storage tanks?
She acknowledged that Data Centers are important to Thailand’s economy but stressed that Thai lives must also be valued.