Suphanat exposes data center EIA loopholes in Bangkok

Matichon•Politics•9d ago

Reader Briefing

MP Suphanat Meenachayanon warns that data center operators are exploiting legal loopholes by registering as warehouses to bypass environmental impact assessments in Bangkok.

•Suphanat Meenachayanon reported on September 1 at the Anakot Mai Building regarding the lack of specific laws regulating data centers.
•Some data centers are applying for warehouse construction permits to avoid conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
•One identified data center has a fuel storage capacity of up to 400,600 liters while operating as a warehouse.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon has called on the Governor of Bangkok and the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to implement stricter regulations.

Overview

•Suphanat Meenachayanon stated that the absence of specific laws for data centers allows operators to use warehouse permits to bypass EIA requirements.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon noted one data center registered as a warehouse has a fuel storage capacity of up to 400,600 liters.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon explained that warehouse permits allow construction in almost all city planning zones, enabling data centers to be located near hospitals or communities.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon sent letters to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior in 2024 to define data centers, but no regulations have been updated after more than one year.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon proposed that the Governor of Bangkok issue emergency ordinances to define data centers and revise building control ordinances.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon urged Suchart Chomklin to direct the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning to require EIAs for data center businesses.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon warned that unregulated data centers emit constant heat, which may increase surrounding temperatures and electricity costs for residents.
•Suphanat Meenachayanon stated that the lack of strong city planning laws will cause the city to lose orderliness and livability, affecting long-term urban value.

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Key Entities

Person

Suphanat Meenachayanon(ศุภณัฐ มีนชัยอนันต์)

An MP for Bangkok from the People's Party who exposed loopholes in data center construction permits.

Suchart Chomklin(สุชาติ ชมกลิ่น)ℹ️

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Organization

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

The political party to which Suphanat Meenachayanon belongs.

Department of Public Works, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(สำนักการโยธา กรุงเทพมหานคร)

The agency that provided data to Suphanat Meenachayanon regarding the warehouse permit of a data center.

Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning(สำนักงานนโยบายและแผนทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)

The agency Suphanat Meenachayanon urged to require EIAs for data center businesses.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)ℹ️

The ministry led by Suchart Chomklin.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️

The local government body whose Governor was urged to issue emergency ordinances regarding data centers.

Place

Anakot Mai Building(อาคารอนาคตใหม่)

The location where Suphanat Meenachayanon gave an interview on September 1.