Thailand freezes 49 data centres as resource fears escalate
Thailand has suspended the construction of 49 data centers to allow for the development of new industry regulations amid public concerns over power consumption. The government aims to balance the country's competitiveness in the AI sector with sustainable resource management.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global trend where local communities and governments are pushing back against the massive energy and water demands of AI infrastructure.
BANGKOK: Thailand’s embrace of data centres hit a speed bump after the government suspended the construction of 49 server farms as public concerns about the power-hungry facilities’ impact on communities intensified.
The projects were halted to give officials time to develop new industry regulations, expected to be announced in a month, Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said at a news briefing on Sept 4.
Danucha spoke after the first meeting of Thailand’s data centre supervision commission, led by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
“Today’s decision doesn’t mean Thailand is closing the door to data centre investment because the industry is critical to the country’s competitiveness,” Ekniti said. “We simply want clear and consistent standards in place to ensure the industry can grow sustainably.”
Thailand will establish uniform oversight of data centres in operation, as well as those being developed, Danucha said.
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