Thailand considers factory rules for data centers

Data centers could come under factory regulation

Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works is studying whether data centers should be brought under factory regulation, according to a Prachachat report published on 13 September. Director-general Pornyot Klankrong said officials were assessing the facilities’ characteristics, including backup generation, before reaching a conclusion.

The review concerns a proposed factory category numbered 108, with potential consequences for factory licensing, safety inspections and environmental oversight. The report also describes industrial-estate locations as part of the proposal under discussion. These are possibilities being examined, rather than an adopted classification or a binding requirement to relocate.

Pornyot said a conclusion could take several months. If the proposal proceeds, further government and ministerial steps would be needed before the new requirements take effect.

Prachachat