Sakolthee proposed the government add public health representatives to the Data Center board after health impacts were found, while pushing for legal amendments to require Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for all projects to be conducted.
At 14:30 on 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the parliament, Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, Chair of the Public Health Commission, held a press conference on the health impacts on the public and environmental health oversight from operating Data Centers in urban communities. Currently, Thailand has 166 Data Center projects: 35 operational, 49 under construction, and 117 awaiting permits. In Bangkok alone, there are 51 projects: 43 located inside buildings owned by banks, state enterprises, and government agencies. Special attention is on six stand-alone projects; three completed in Suan Luang, Huai Khwang, and Bang Kapi districts as reported, and three still seeking permits.
The Bangkok Governor has ordered a halt and suspension of permit issuance. The BMA explained that the Governor established a strict five-point checklist for ongoing random inspections, based on relevant laws: 1. Building standards requiring international certification; 2. Resource use including oil storage, water, and electricity complying with regulations by the Department of Energy Business, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and Metropolitan Waterworks Authority; 3. Impact on people and environment covering water and air pollution, health risks, heat effects, and noise pollution; 4. Fire prevention with fire suppression systems meeting standards; and 5. Preparedness and fire evacuation drills, all conducted thoroughly and commended by the BMA.
A key concern is the regulatory vacuum on construction permits. Some Data Centers in Bangkok circumvent regulations by applying as warehouses because there is no legal definition or framework for Data Centers, nor zoning plans specifying where they can be built. The Building Control Act of 1979 does not define Data Centers. Additionally, the Pollution Control Department or Ministry of Energy monitor water, air, and noise pollution impacts, but no agency currently monitors heat emissions or sets standards for them.
"The Public Health Commission has resolved and will make the following proposals to the government:"
1. The Data Center Policy Committee lacks a public health perspective, so it is proposed to add the Minister of Public Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, and the National Health Commission, which oversees Health Impact Assessments (HIA).
2. HIA is not currently mandatory, but Section 11 of the 2007 National Health Act allows any individual to request the National Health Commission to require an HIA for any project or activity. Therefore, the Commission will collaborate with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the National Health Commission to propose that at least six hazardous projects undergo HIA where none has been done. Furthermore, nationwide documentation will be prepared to require HIA during the period without specific Data Center laws.
3. The Commission urges prompt revision of building control laws and requests the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning under the Ministry of Interior to expedite defining Data Centers in the law to support regulation.
4. The Commission asks Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to assist in clarifying new urban zoning plans, as many areas are residential communities. The Commission will closely monitor this issue and urges the government to include public health considerations on the Data Center Policy Committee and clearly mandate HIA for such projects with enforceable laws," Sakolthee said.