Concerns arise over Bangkok data centers bypassing EIA regulations for large-scale fuel storage
Currently, numerous data centers are being constructed in the Bangkok metropolitan area. However, there are reports that some data centers are exploiting legal loopholes by registering as 'warehouses' to avoid conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, which are a crucial step in ensuring the safety of large-scale projects.
Investigations have revealed that these data centers store large quantities of fuel inside their buildings—nearly 500,000 liters—to serve as backup power in the event of a power outage. Storing such massive amounts of fuel in densely populated areas has raised significant concerns regarding safety and fire prevention standards.
Experts and relevant agencies have expressed concern that if an accident or fire were to occur, it could have severe consequences for surrounding communities, acting like a 'ticking time bomb' waiting to go off, as these buildings were not directly designed to accommodate the storage of hazardous materials in large quantities according to data center safety standards.
There are now calls for government agencies to urgently step in to inspect and regulate the establishment of data centers, particularly by establishing clear zoning to prevent risks to the public and to ensure that the expansion of technology in the capital proceeds safely and in compliance with the law.