The Data Center Board approved five categories and divided electricity rates into two tiers, based on power generated from clean energy and natural gas.
On 1 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), disclosed after a meeting of the Data Center Policy Committee (Data Center Board) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas that the committee agreed to classify data centers into five categories based on electricity consumption, with further details to be discussed at the subcommittee meeting next week.
“Originally, three data center categories were proposed, but I suggested eight. The committee settled on five categories to ensure clarity. At the same time, Net Zero commitments were included in the data center business framework,” he said.
Regarding electricity rates for data centers, these will follow category 9 of the National Energy Policy Council's resolution. The rates will be split into two tiers: electricity from clean energy will be charged at a lower rate than electricity generated from natural gas. The specific rates will be finalized next week.
Deputy Minister of Interior Mr. Ponpeer Suwaranachawi stated the Ministry of Interior will revise zoning laws and establish building characteristics for data center sites, as these businesses require diesel backup and consume large amounts of electricity. Currently, data centers in Thailand use up to 20,000 megawatts of power. There are 26 operational data centers, with others yet to open. The subcommittee on civil engineering and zoning, chaired by him, will meet on 6 Oct 2026 GMT+7. Initially, any building housing a data center must display a sign indicating it is a data center.
According to reporters, the five categories of electricity consumption are as follows: 1. From 0 to 1 megawatt, 2. From 1 to 5 megawatts, 3. From 5 to 50 megawatts, 4. From 50 to 200 megawatts, and 5. Above 200 megawatts.