Eknat inspects Bangkok data centers over illegal oil storage

Khaosod•Economy•6d ago

Reader Briefing

Energy Minister Eknat Promphan is ordering a comprehensive inspection of Data Centers in Bangkok following the discovery of unauthorized fuel tanks.

•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan found unauthorized fuel tanks exceeding 150,000 liters at Data Centers in Bangkok.
•Illegal operations face legal action with a maximum prison sentence of 2 years.
•The Cabinet resolved on August 5 to establish a Data Center committee overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
•Inspections of all Bangkok Data Centers are expected to take several months.

Overview

•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan ordered officials to inspect Data Centers across Bangkok starting last week.
•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan reported finding fuel storage tanks with capacities exceeding 150,000 liters that lacked proper permits.
•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan stated that those operating without permits will be prosecuted, with the law specifying a maximum prison term of 2 years.
•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan noted that the problem has accumulated over 3-4 years, with some tanks installed since 2020.
•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan consulted with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to suspend related activities during the investigation.
•The Cabinet resolved on August 5 to issue Prime Minister's Office regulations and establish a Data Center committee.
•Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is tasked with overseeing the new reorganization of Data Centers.
•Energy Minister Eknat Promphan emphasized the need for integrated work across multiple ministries regarding construction permits, environment, energy, and water resources.

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Key Quotes

Eknat Promphan

"If oil is used for backup power generation in Bangkok community areas, it cannot be done. Therefore, it must be reorganized and inspected until confident it benefits the economy and does not affect the people, along with setting appropriate water and electricity resource usage criteria."

หากนำน้ำมันมาปั่นไฟสำรองใช้ในพื้นที่ชุมชน กทม. ทำไม่ได้ ดังนั้นต้องจัดระเบียบใหม่ ต้องตรวจสอบจนกว่าจะมั่นใจว่าเป็นประโยชน์ต่อเศรษฐกิจและไม่กระทบประชาชน พร้อมวางเกณฑ์การใช้ทรัพยากรน้ำและไฟที่เหมาะสม

Key Entities

Person

Eknat Promphan(เอกนัฏ พร้อมพันธุ์)

The Minister of Energy who is overseeing the inspection and reorganization of Data Centers in Bangkok.

Chadchart Sittipunt(ชัชชาติ สิทธิพันธุ์)ℹ️

The Governor of Bangkok who was consulted to suspend related activities during Data Center inspections.

Ekniti Nitithanprapas(เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ)ℹ️

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance responsible for overseeing the new Data Center reorganization.

Organization

Ministry of Energy(กระทรวงพลังงาน)ℹ️

The ministry that dispatched officials to inspect Data Centers for illegal fuel storage.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)

The body that resolved on August 5 to establish a Data Center committee and regulations.

Place

Bangkok(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️

The city area where Data Centers are being inspected for unauthorized fuel tanks.

Parliament(รัฐสภา)ℹ️

The location where Energy Minister Eknat Promphan provided clarifications on September 3, 2026.

Policy

Prime Minister's Office Regulations(ระเบียบสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี)

The regulations ordered by the Cabinet to be issued for the organization of Data Centers.