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Thailand approves data center standards and five size categories

By TidindeeData Center Briefings2 min read
Deputy Permanent Secretary Prasert Sirinapaporn attends Thailand’s data center policy board meeting
Image: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

  1. Data center board approves standards and five size categories

    Thailand’s data center policy board approved minimum technical standards and a five-category classification based on electricity use on Thursday. Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said facilities would receive their own legal building definition, with requirements covering structural safety, water reserves and fuel storage for backup power. Existing operators would receive a transition period to meet the forthcoming rules.

    Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said the board agreed on five categories, replacing an earlier three-category proposal. Thansettakij reported bands of 0–1 MW, 1–5 MW, 5–50 MW, 50–200 MW and above 200 MW. Detailed definitions remain subject to subcommittee review, with the building and planning panel due to meet on 6 October.

    The proposed electricity framework would favour clean power, including purchases through direct power purchase agreements, over conventional grid supply. Ministers outlined two pricing tracks, with the actual rates still to be settled.

    The board also approved further development of the TH-DC Dashboard to support permits and oversight. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said agencies were instructed to process projects under construction or preparing to open under applicable laws. Officials aim to consolidate the wider framework next week before submitting it to the main committee and Cabinet.

    Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Thansettakij Bangkok Biz News The Nation

  2. Police investigate electrical accident at Rayong data center construction site

    Police in Ban Chang, Rayong, are investigating an electrical accident that injured a worker at a data center construction site on Thursday. The 30-year-old worker received an electric shock and fell from scaffolding before being taken to Ban Chang Hospital, according to Siam Rath.

    Police said their initial investigation indicated that the worker touched a transformer while working on an electrical connection. Officers were questioning supervisors and colleagues and checking protective equipment and site supervision to determine whether negligence contributed to the accident.

    Siam Rath

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