NBTC Issues 26 Data Center Licenses

Matichon•Economy•1h ago

Reader Briefing

The NBTC has issued telecommunications licenses to 26 data centers while the Cabinet approves a new committee to integrate data center oversight.

•As of July 27, the NBTC has issued licenses to 26 data center operators.
•The Cabinet approved the draft regulation for the Data Center Business Policy Committee on August 5.
•A new integrated committee will oversee data centers across infrastructure, energy, water, and urban planning sectors.

Overview

•Currently, no single law provides comprehensive direct oversight of data center businesses in Thailand, with authority split across multiple agencies.
•As of July 27, the NBTC issued 23 Type 1 licenses and 3 Type 3 licenses to data center operators.
•An NBTC source stated that the number of NBTC licenses does not reflect the total number of data centers in the country because licenses cover only the telecommunications portion.
•Data center operations require various permits depending on the site, including those for electricity use, factory operation, and the Board of Investment (BOI).
•An NBTC source noted that fuel storage for backup power must be inspected individually, though claims of some sites storing over 400,000 liters remain unverified.
•On August 5, the Cabinet approved the draft Prime Minister's Office regulation regarding the Data Center Business Policy Committee.
•The Data Center Business Policy Committee will be chaired by a Deputy Prime Minister assigned by the Prime Minister, with Ministers of DE, Interior, and Energy serving as Vice Chairpersons.
•The Data Center Business Policy Committee is scheduled to discuss the joint regulatory framework within this week.

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Key Entities

Organization

NBTC(สำนักงานกิจการกระจายเสียง กิจการโทรทัศน์ และกิจการโทรคมนาคมแห่งชาติ)

The agency responsible for issuing telecommunications licenses for data centers.

Ministry of Digital Economy and Society(กระทรวงดิจิทัลเพื่อเศรษฐกิจและสังคม)ℹ️

A ministry involved in digital infrastructure and data, with its minister serving as a Vice Chairperson of the Data Center Business Policy Committee.

Board of Investment(สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน)

An agency that provides permits for data center operations.

Data Center Business Policy Committee(คณะกรรมการนโยบายการประกอบกิจการดาต้าเซ็นเตอร์)

A committee established to integrate oversight of infrastructure, energy, water, urban planning, safety, environment, and communications for data centers.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)

The body that approved the draft regulation for the Data Center Business Policy Committee on August 5.

Ministry of Interior(กระทรวงมหาดไทย)ℹ️

A ministry whose minister serves as a Vice Chairperson of the Data Center Business Policy Committee.

Ministry of Energy(กระทรวงพลังงาน)ℹ️

A ministry whose minister serves as a Vice Chairperson of the Data Center Business Policy Committee.

Law

Prime Minister's Office Regulation on the Data Center Business Policy Committee(ระเบียบสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรีว่าด้วยคณะกรรมการนโยบายการประกอบกิจการดาต้าเซ็นเตอร์)

The regulation approved by the Cabinet to establish the framework for the Data Center Business Policy Committee.