The Democrat Party warns of Data Centers appearing in the city center, pointing out that Bangkok's environment resembles a sealed lid, risking heat accumulation and pollution release. They present six proposals and criticize the government for focusing only on pandering to land developers.
On 5 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at the Democrat Party headquarters, Phasin Pitutecha, MP for Rayong from the Democrat Party, and Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, the party’s spokesperson, held a press conference questioning the direction of promoting the Data Center industry in Thailand. They urged the government to urgently review site selection and regulatory measures.
Pongsakorn stated that large-scale (Hyperscale) Data Centers should not be located in the capital city of Bangkok because the city's physical condition is like a sealed lid. The heat released from data centers will cause urban temperatures to rise and accumulate. There are also concerns about fuel oil storage for generators and water pollution. Without strict controls, Bangkok residents will gain nothing but heat and pollution, while the benefits accrue only to investors and operators.
Phasin revealed data from the Board of Investment (BOI) showing that currently over 70% of Data Center investments target the EEC area, which is positive as it is a high-value new industry. However, the government and prime minister have been slow to act on national strategy despite chairing the EEC board. He proposed establishing a “Data Center Fund” to channel money into education, communities, and genuine environmental remediation.
The Democrat Party submitted six proposals to the parliament to prevent Thailand from losing opportunities and repeating past environmental mistakes: 1. Carefully plan taxation since Data Centers use few workers and mainly import equipment; 2. Position Thailand as a technology hub by aiming to become an AI and application development center; 3. Connect education by encouraging cooperation between businesses and universities/schools to develop local talent for the EEC; 4. Define clear technology transfer guidelines; 5. Set quotas for hiring Thai workers; 6. Ensure investment funds genuinely reach local communities.
Phasin concluded that Thailand has already suffered significant environmental damage. Now, investments worth hundreds of billions must benefit all Thai people, not just a group of land developer investors.