Suphanat exposes data center loophole bypassing Bangkok EIA
Suphanat exposes a loophole where data centers in Bangkok bypass EIA requirements by registering as warehouses, urging authorities to enforce strict zoning.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Suphanat exposed a regulatory loophole allowing data centers to bypass EIA by registering as warehouses.
- Current urban planning laws permit warehouses in almost any zone, putting data centers near hospitals and communities.
- Urged the Bangkok Governor to issue emergency building control ordinances and revise the new city plan.
- Called on the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to mandate EIA for all data center projects.
Suphanat has exposed a critical loophole regarding the construction of data centers in Bangkok, pointing out that developers routinely apply for permits under the guise of warehouse buildings to bypass environmental impact assessments.
Because current urban planning regulations allow warehouse constructions across nearly all city zones, massive data centers can be built haphazardly right next to residential neighborhoods and hospitals without proper regulatory oversight.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Suphanat noted that he had previously submitted formal letters to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior back in 2024, urging them to establish an official definition for data centers. However, more than a year has passed without any amendments or regulatory updates.
Large-scale data centers consume massive amounts of electrical power and cooling water 24/7. Without proper zoning and thermal emission controls, clusters of unmonitored facilities can raise local microclimate temperatures and strain municipal infrastructure, presenting urban planning challenges similar to those faced by major tech hubs globally.
To address these mounting concerns, Suphanat has urged two key agencies to take immediate action through specific administrative measures:
- Call for the Bangkok Governor to issue an emergency Bangkok ordinance defining data centers and revising building control rules.
- Request the return of the draft city plan—delayed for over two years—for revisions to properly regulate data centers before enactment.
- Demand that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin direct ONEP to mandate EIA reports for data center operations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Beyond zoning concerns, additional issues include fuel storage safety risks, continuous heat emission driving up neighborhood electricity costs, and the long-term degradation of urban organization and property values.
Source: Matichon Politics
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