Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has revealed the existence of 49 data centers located in the central area of the city, comprising both standalone facilities and those integrated within office buildings. A press conference is scheduled for Friday to discuss electricity and water usage figures. Additionally, a proposal to establish zoning and backup power standards is expected to be finalized within a month.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pornprom Wikitseth, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, shared insights ahead of briefing the House of Representatives' Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society about managing the impact of these large data centers in urban areas. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and other agencies for their support in compiling relevant data. Out of the 49 data centers, 6 are standalone centers with permits from the BMA, while 43 are housed in various buildings. Of these, 10 centers are government-owned, and 33 are privately operated. The Bangkok Governor has mandated district offices to inspect each center, with a report on electricity and water usage and the total area of all centers to be released this Friday.
Mr. Pornprom emphasized that the 10 state-owned data centers are designed for internal use and do not offer colocation services or client-based services. He highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate and safe water and electricity usage to prevent impacting surrounding communities, although he was unsure of the exact amounts. He noted that most buildings already have an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and detailed explanations of electricity costs and other expenses are necessary. District offices conduct regular inspections, and the BMA is in discussions with NECTEC's DTEC unit to assess environmental impacts, with potential partnerships and site inspections being considered.
Regarding the 43 surveyed locations, Mr. Pornprom explained that those within large buildings typically have ample fuel reserves, while standalone facilities require stricter inspections to meet international standards for backup power. Customers expect 48 hours of backup power as per global uptime standards.
On the topic of zoning data centers away from communities, Mr. Pornprom stated that the committee is still finalizing definitions, expected within a month. Once defined, they will determine zoning requirements, including whether data centers fall under factory classifications and if an EIA will be required. The BMA's proposal to the committee includes defining data centers in offices, covering all aspects beyond standalone facilities.
The zoning framework's implementation in Bangkok is still under discussion, pending the establishment of definitions. Four subcommittees are addressing environmental issues and land allocation, with guidelines anticipated within a month. Meetings have been underway for a week, with updates forthcoming.