Thailand’s data center factory classification awaits permit clarification
Industrial Works Department awaits clarity on data center permits
Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works is waiting for the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to clarify how data centers should be permitted before advancing a proposed factory classification, its director-general told Thansettakij.
The department is assessing which configurations of data center facilities would qualify as factories. If they fall within its remit, it would seek Cabinet approval to introduce category 108. The classification remains under consideration.
The director-general said his department did not yet have a proposal ready for the next national data center policy board meeting. Further action would also depend on the direction set by the industry minister and the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Cushman & Wakefield sees resilient demand but greater risk for unpermitted sites
Investor appetite for Thai data centers remains strong despite the prospect of higher development and operating costs, according to Cushman & Wakefield, citing discussions with active investors in Thailand.
The firm’s assessment identifies projects without construction permits as the most exposed to the emerging regulatory framework: site layouts, infrastructure designs and technical specifications could require changes. Facilities already under construction may face additional requirements before outstanding approvals are granted, while operating sites may primarily need stronger monitoring and safety measures.
Cushman & Wakefield expects clearer rules to improve investment certainty if they are applied consistently and remain commercially reasonable. It argues that sites with a credible route through permitting, power delivery and customer utilisation could justify a premium over cheaper land with unresolved development constraints.
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