Thai PM chairs meeting on data center policy

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the first meeting of the Data Center Business Policy Committee on Friday, tasking government agencies with establishing regulatory measures to boost confidence and address public concerns regarding resource consumption and legal compliance.

Speaking at the Government House, Anutin acknowledged the growing public anxiety over data center developments, particularly in urban areas, due to high electricity and water consumption, environmental impacts, and potential legal loopholes used by some operators to lower costs.

The committee will focus on defining the legal status of data centers, setting industry standards, promoting renewable energy usage, and strengthening cybersecurity and data protection. Anutin emphasized that future energy supply for these facilities must align with Thailand’s net-zero targets by prioritizing green energy sources over fossil fuels.