Bangkok: The Ministry of Energy has conducted a detailed inspection of a data center located on Rama 9 Road in Bangkok, revealing that the facility had previously stored 200,000 liters of diesel fuel without the necessary permits. Legal proceedings are now being planned against the data center for its non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, alongside other ministry officials, carried out the inspection in response to complaints from local residents concerning the storage of large quantities of diesel fuel at the site. Although the fuel has since been removed following an initial order by officials, the data center's actions still constituted a violation of the Fuel Control Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
The Ministry of Energy has indicated that stricter regulations will be implemented regarding oil storage in data center companies. Specifically, any storage of 15,000 liters or more of oil within Bangkok now requires prior authorization from the ministry. Furthermore, there is a policy in place to refrain from granting licenses to new data centers for oil storage, and existing licenses for the few facilities currently permitted will not be renewed after one year.
In an effort to address broader issues related to the establishment of data centers in urban areas, the Ministry of Energy is preparing to communicate these concerns to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). This will be discussed at the upcoming Data Center Committee meeting, where Energy Minister Ekanat Promphan is expected to express strong opposition to the storage of oil for energy reserves in urban settings due to potential impacts on nearby communities.
Efforts are underway for relevant agencies to collaborate and develop guidelines that ensure data center companies adhere to regulatory standards, thereby safeguarding community interests and aligning with legal requirements.