Anutin has set up a board to oversee data centers due to the lack of specific laws, declaring that not all outcomes can be win-win. He said that in the past, having even one investor was a cause for great joy. He also believes that illegal storage of fuel beneath buildings is definitely occurring.
On 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke about data centers. He said that previous governments focused on investment and incoming foreign capital, but there was no specific law for data centers. He noted that data centers consume large amounts of electricity, water, and resources, while employment they provide is less than desired, making direct comparisons difficult.
Today, there is substantial investment and money circulation. Saying otherwise would be unfair to investors. Five years ago, if an investor wanted to establish a data center, it was cause for great excitement, expecting massive capital inflows. However, not all outcomes can be win-win. Expecting both high investment and employment growth alongside continuous expansion is challenging. Sometimes foreign investment targets are exceeded, yet limiting investment or favoring other sectors might be unfair to investors.
Nevertheless, the government has established a board to manage this, to design regulations and directions, and to draft specific laws that maximize benefits for investors and ensure fair resource use—energy, cooling water, and the environment—since data centers emit significant heat.
Especially in Bangkok, where Governor Chadchart Sittipunt found data centers storing fuel, which Anutin believes is illegal. If such cases occur, multiple permits would be required. Simply put, no one would allow fuel storage beneath buildings, which might be a legal loophole evasion. Therefore, strict legal compliance is necessary.
He also urged the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Electricity Authority, water-related agencies, and provinces with data centers to share information more actively, collaborate systematically, and manage impacts on the public while developing regulatory systems.